A second-year undergraduate student of the Energy Science and Engineering department at IIT Bombay died by suicide on Friday, hours after an incident during an examination in which he was found using a mobile phone.
The student’s death prompted a protest on the Powai campus, with students seeking answers from the administration over the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police and the institute are looking into the matter.
What Happened During The Exam?
Accounts of the examination incident differ.
Some students claimed that the student had been caught looking at another student’s answer sheet and was asked to leave the examination hall. They also alleged that he was told he could face disciplinary action, including suspension.
However, IIT Bombay disputed this account. In a statement issued on Friday evening, the institute said the student had been found using a mobile phone during the examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student. According to IIT Bombay, the matter was discussed with him by the instructor and the Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
Student Returned To Hostel Room
Following the discussion, the student returned to his hostel room. He was later found dead there, according to the institute.
The circumstances surrounding the death are being examined by the appropriate authorities. The institute expressed condolences and said it was extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by the incident.
The available reports do not establish that the examination incident caused the student’s death.
Students Protest On IIT Bombay Campus
The death triggered a protest involving students on the Powai campus. Students gathered near the institute’s main building and raised questions about the administration’s response to the incident. The Indian Express reported that more than 400 students participated in the protest.
The institute director later met the protesting students. According to reports, the ongoing mid-semester examinations were subsequently postponed.
Police personnel were also deployed on campus as discussions between students and the administration continued.
IIT Bombay Says Authorities Are Investigating
IIT Bombay said the circumstances surrounding the student’s death were being looked into by the appropriate authorities.
The institute also said it was providing support to those affected by the loss. Further details about the investigation and the circumstances leading to the student’s death are awaited.
Note: Suicide-related reporting can be distressing. If you or someone you know is struggling or at immediate risk, contact a qualified mental-health professional or a local emergency service.
