Parents of OpenAI whistleblower reject suicide ruling, demand FBI investigation
San Francisco: The mysterious death of 26-year-old Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower, has raised serious concerns, with his parents alleging foul play and rejecting the ruling of suicide.
Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, with the medical examiner declaring the death a suicide. However, his parents, Balagi Ramamurthy and Ramarao, have disputed the findings, claiming evidence of a struggle and demanding a federal investigation.
"We spoke to him just before his death. He was happy and making plans to visit us in January. There was no suicide note. How can this be ruled a suicide so quickly?" questioned Ramamurthy.
Balaji’s mother highlighted the presence of "blood shots in the bathroom" and signs of a fight, which she believes cannot be ignored.
The incident occurred three months after Balaji publicly accused OpenAI of copyright violations in ChatGPT's development, raising ethical concerns. In an interview with The New York Times, Balaji stated, “If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company.” He had resigned in August 2024, citing these concerns.
The San Francisco Police Department reported no signs of foul play during its initial investigation. A gun was found near Balaji’s body, and no other individuals were present at the scene. Despite this, the family claims the probe was rushed.
“It took only 40 seconds for the medical examiner to declare it a suicide,” alleged Ramarao.
Balaji had no known history of mental illness, and his parents have asserted that his ethical stance and advocacy may have made him a target.
A candlelight vigil in Fremont, attended by nearly 80 supporters, called for a deeper investigation. Ganesh Balamitran, a resident, praised Balaji’s work in defending creators’ rights, while Aruja Gupta, a San Jose State University student, demanded the police allocate more resources to the case.
OpenAI has expressed condolences and offered support to Balaji’s family, stating the company was "devastated" by his death.
Balaji’s parents continue to push for an FBI-led investigation, believing only a federal probe can reveal the truth behind their son’s death. "Suchir was brilliant and ethical. He deserves justice," said Ramarao.
The case remains under investigation.
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1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
