The parents of an IIT-Bombay student who allegedly died by suicide on Friday joined a protest outside the institute’s main gate on Saturday morning. They demanded answers from the administration and sought an explanation for the circumstances surrounding their son’s death. The development came after IIT-Bombay students continued an overnight protest on campus. The students had met the institute director at the Convocation Hall but said they remained dissatisfied with the discussion. They subsequently decided to continue their protest and demand further answers from the administration. More than 100 students gathered again at the main gate on Saturday morning. They demanded justice and questioned the institute over the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. Student organisations also urged more students to join the demonstration. The student’s parents joined the protest and said their son was their only child. They called on IIT-Bombay to explain what led to his death and said they would continue their protest until they received answers.

IIT Bombay Student’s Parents Demand Justice

The parents said their son had faced significant hardships before joining IIT-Bombay and described him as someone who would not easily give up. "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. Until we get an explanation for his death, we will not leave the main gate. We are ready to face any action from the authorities and will fight for justice for our son," one of the student's parents said. The family also alleged that discrimination on campus could have contributed to the student’s death. However, this allegation has not been established, and the circumstances surrounding the death remain under discussion. Meanwhile, students have launched a social media campaign seeking justice and raising questions about the events that preceded the incident.

IIT Bombay Explains Examination Incident

IIT-Bombay said the student had been found using a mobile phone during an examination. According to the institute, he had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT in an attempt to obtain answers. The institute issued the statement on Friday evening while addressing questions surrounding the incident. “No disciplinary action was initiated against the student,” the institute said. IIT-Bombay added that the instructor and head of the department discussed the matter with the student. According to the institute, they counselled him and assured him that the incident would not negatively affect his academic career. The institute’s account has become a key point in the ongoing student protest, with students seeking greater clarity about what happened before the student’s death.

IIT Bombay Director Addresses Students

Amid the protests, the IIT-Bombay director interacted with students at the Convocation Hall late Friday night. During the discussion, the director said the institute would strengthen its focus on student mental health. He also said IIT-Bombay already provides psychological support on campus and has taken several steps to assist students facing difficulties. According to the institute, eight psychologists currently work as consultants on campus. However, students said the interaction did not adequately address their concerns. As a result, they continued their demonstration through the night and gathered again at the main gate on Saturday morning.

Students Continue Protest Over Campus Concerns

The latest protest has brought renewed attention to student welfare and mental-health support at IIT-Bombay. Students have demanded clearer communication from the administration and answers about the circumstances surrounding the death. The student organisations supporting the demonstration have also called for greater participation from the campus community. The parents have joined the students in seeking answers, while the institute has maintained that it did not initiate disciplinary proceedings against the student following the examination incident. The circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain under scrutiny as protests continue on the IIT-Bombay campus.   **Disclaimer: Discussions about suicide can be distressing for some people. However, suicide is preventable, and help is available. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact a mental health professional or reach out to a trusted support service.