MUMBAI | A second-year student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering died by suicide at IIT-Bombay on Friday evening.  The student was reportedly found using a mobile phone in the examination. He had uploaded the exam question paper on an AI platform to seek answers, a report quoting the institute said.

 The officials reportedly claimed that no disciplinary action was initiated against the student. The matter was also discussed with the student 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.

Following the discussion, the student went back to his hostel room. Later in the evening, he was found dead in his room, a report said. Students soon launched a protest demanding a detailed probe into the circumstances that led to the suicide. The students alleged the authorities are not focusing on their mental health concerns.

This is reportedly the third suicide in six months at the IIT Powai Campus.  Police have deployed personnel on campus to control the situation as discussions were held between students and the administration.

 DCP Dattatray Nalawade said that the investigation in the case is underway.

 “Today, a student died by suicide at IIT Powai. Following this, some IIT students gathered and started a protest over their demands. The IIT administration is holding discussions with them to reach an amicable solution,” he told reporters.

 Asked about the nature of the students’ demands, the DCP said, “The students have internal administrative issues which the IIT administration has addressed in the past as well, and the administration is actively speaking with the students right now too.”

 He added that while some protesters had dispersed, others remained on the ground as talks continued. “Some students are still protesting, and efforts are being made to speak with them as well,” he said.  IIT Bombay student dies by suicide after being caught using ChatGPT in exam; third in six months.

 “The reason for our protest today is that a suicide took place in our college today. That is why we have gathered to protest—to demand accountability, transparency, and answers from our administration,” he said, alleging, “This is not the first incident—four have happened this year alone, and two within the last two months. We have no idea why this is happening, what the reasons are behind all this.”

 Outlining the students’ demands, Pranay said the administration needed to be held responsible and take corrective steps.

 “First, the administration must be held answerable. Professors who mistreat students or behave harshly need to be held in check. We simply want the Dean, the Director, and the administration to provide a report assuring us that they will look into the matter, ensure accountability and transparency, and guarantee that such incidents do not happen again on their watch,” he said.

Not all students framed the moment as a confrontation with the administration.  Ansh, another student, said the campus was grieving and said that the death should not turn into a standoff.  “All of us are deeply devastated. It is shocking and heartbreaking. Whatever happened, it feels like he was one of us, and someone among us has been left behind,” he said.

 He urged restraint in assigning blame in the incident. “I don’t think we should be blaming anyone at a moment like this. I feel that everyone is going through something; everyone has struggles in their mind. I don’t think we should be pointing fingers at each other. Right now, it is turning into an ‘Administration vs. Students’ conflict. What we really need is to stand together at this moment,” he said.