The parents of an IIT Bombay student who was found dead on Friday joined a protest at the institute’s main gate on Saturday, demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding their son’s death.
More than 100 students gathered at the gate as the protest continued into Saturday morning. The demonstration followed an overnight protest by students who said they remained dissatisfied after a late-night interaction with the institute director at the Convocation Hall.
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The student’s parents, who joined the demonstration, said their son was their only child and demanded that the institute explain what had happened. They also alleged that discrimination on campus may have been a factor.
“We need justification for our son’s death. He was our only child. He was not someone who would give up. He was a fighter and came from a very poor background,” the parents said, according to Hindustan Times. They added that they would continue their protest until they received an explanation.
The death occurred after an examination-related incident in which the student was allegedly found using a mobile phone during an exam and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
IIT Bombay, in a statement issued on Friday evening, said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student. The institute said the matter had been 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 institute’s account came amid growing concern among students, with student organisations also calling for participation in the protest. A social media campaign has been launched seeking answers and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the death.
During the late-night interaction, the IIT Bombay director said the institute would strengthen its focus on student mental health. The institute said psychologists were already available on campus and that several measures were being taken to support students.
According to the institute, eight psychologists are currently working as consultants on campus.
The students, however, continued their demonstration at the main gate on Saturday, seeking further communication from the administration.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader issue of student support and the handling of academic and disciplinary concerns on campuses. While IIT Bombay has maintained that no disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the student over the examination incident, his parents and protesting students are seeking further clarity about the events preceding his death.
The case comes amid renewed discussions on student welfare, academic pressure and mental health support in higher education institutions. The circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain the subject of concern among his family and fellow students.
