A second-year undergraduate student in Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay has reportedly died by suicide, marking the third student death on the Powai campus this year. The incident, which occurred on Friday, prompted a student protest outside the institute’s main gate, with agitators demanding answers from the administration about the circumstances leading to the death.
According to fellow students, the death occurred after an examination where the student was allegedly caught looking at another person’s answer sheet and was told to leave the room. They claimed that officials later informed him he could face disciplinary action. The students said that the student had allegedly been threatened with a one-year suspension. They said that it would have forced him to leave the hostel and live outside the campus.
However, IIT Bombay presented a different account in a statement released on Friday evening. The institute said the student was found using a mobile phone during the exam and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT in an attempt to find answers.
“No disciplinary action was initiated against the student,” the institute clarified. It added that the matter was discussed with the student by his instructor and the department head, who counselled him. They reportedly assured him the incident would not have a negative impact on his academic career.
The institute reported that the student returned to his hostel room afterwards, where he was found dead later in the evening. The incident sparked a protest at the campus's main gate, with students chanting slogans and seeking a meeting with the institute director. The protest continued late into Friday night, and police were called to the campus.
“IIT Bombay is deeply saddened by the loss of a student. The Institute is extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident,” the institute said.
The institute also confirmed that authorities are looking into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
DCP Dattatray Nalawade said a probe was underway.
