Mumbai, Maharashtra: A second-year B.Tech student of IIT Bombay in Powai was found dead in his hostel room on Friday, following an incident during an examination earlier in the day.
According to IIT Bombay, the student, from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was reportedly found using a mobile phone during the examination. The institute stated that he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.
The institute said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student. The matter was reportedly discussed with him by the instructor and Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. The student subsequently returned to his hostel room and was later found dead.
Following the incident, a section of students gathered on campus and held a protest, seeking accountability, transparency and corrective measures from the institute administration. Students raised concerns about campus welfare and requested greater clarity regarding measures to prevent similar incidents.
Police personnel were deployed on the campus as discussions took place between student representatives and the institute administration. DCP Dattatray Nalawade said that the investigation into the incident is underway.
The institute expressed its deep sadness over the loss of the student, while efforts continued to address the concerns raised by the student community.
