IIT Bombay Student’s Death: Family Alleges Caste Discrimination and Pressure

September 20, 2026

Mumbai: Following the suicide of an IIT Bombay student, his family has alleged caste discrimination and academic pressure at the institute. A few days before the student’s death, an incident had surfaced regarding the use of ChatGPT during exams.

According to the family’s complaint, the student had previously spoken to his parents about the problems he was facing at the institute. Police have registered a case based on the family’s complaint, and the Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating.

FIR Registered Based on Family’s Complaint

Police have included sections related to abetment to suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in the FIR. The complaint also names some institute officials.

The student was found dead in his hostel on Friday. According to the police, no suicide note was recovered from the scene.

Case of ChatGPT Use in Exams

Before the student’s death, a mobile phone was found with him during an exam. It is alleged that he had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to access answers.

IIT Bombay stated that no disciplinary action was initiated against the student. According to the institute, the concerned faculty members spoke with the student about the issue, counseled him, and assured him that the incident would not impact his academic career.

 Family Alleges Caste Discrimination

The student’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and mental pressure at the institute. The family says the student had previously expressed his concerns to them.

However, IIT Bombay’s SC/ST Students and Staff Cell stated that no complaint regarding caste discrimination was filed by the student.

Crime Branch Investigating

Following the student’s death, students also protested on the IIT Bombay campus. During the protest, questions were raised about academic pressure and the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is now investigating the allegations made by the family and the entire incident surrounding the student’s death. The institute has stated its cooperation in the investigation.