IIT Bombay Student Found Dead After Exam Cheating Incident Involving ChatGPT

A 22‑year‑old second‑year engineering student was discovered dead in his hostel room at IIT Bombay on September 18, hours after campus officials say he was caught using a mobile phone to upload a mid‑semester exam paper to ChatGPT for answers. CCTV from the exam hall recorded the student’s movements before Professor Suryanarayana Doolla approached him and escorted him out of the room. The footage then showed the student walking across the campus toward his hostel, after which no activity was seen in his room until his body was found later that evening. Mumbai Police Crime Branch is reviewing video from the hall, campus grounds and hostel to map his final movements. The institute initially reported that no disciplinary action had been taken, but fellow students claim the administration warned him of possible suspension. Protests erupted on campus following the death, with student representatives stating the demonstration was meant to highlight long‑standing systemic issues and demand stronger reforms, not to excuse cheating. In response, Professor Doolla, who was Dean of Student Affairs, was suspended with immediate effect and later charged with abetment to suicide and alleged caste‑based discrimination. Faculty members from IIT Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai issued statements supporting Doolla, saying he was merely performing his duties, while IIT Madras faculty urged caution against assigning blame before due process. Police increased security on campus as the investigation continues.