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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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
