San Francisco (United States), January 1:
The family of Indian-American tech professional Suchir Balaji, found deceased in his San Francisco residence on December 14, 2024, has dismissed the official ruling of suicide, alleging that their son was murdered.
Suchir, a former employee at OpenAI, gained prominence for exposing ethical concerns surrounding generative AI technology.
Speaking with NDTV, his parents highlighted findings from a second autopsy that suggest “signs of struggle,” including head trauma, which contradict the initial suicide determination by the medical examiner.
“We have evidence from the second autopsy—head injuries and indications of a struggle. This is not suicide; it’s murder,” said his mother, Poornima Ramarao.
Poornima also expressed disbelief over the lack of a suicide note and emphasized the findings that challenge the initial report.
Suchir’s father, Balaji Ramamurthi, recounted their last interaction on December 22, when Suchir appeared in high spirits after a trip to Los Angeles. “He seemed happy,” Balaji shared.
Suchir’s Allegations Against OpenAI
When questioned about Suchir’s professional circumstances, his mother revealed that he had not taken on another job after leaving OpenAI. She claimed, “They [OpenAI] likely threatened him. They prevented him from working elsewhere. He consulted a copyright attorney and learned he wasn’t doing anything wrong, but they were suppressing him. That led him to give an interview to The New York Times, which ultimately resulted in his death.”
Balaji further explained, “He was part of the core team behind ChatGPT, practically one of its architects. He possessed critical information about ChatGPT. There were restrictions imposed on him, preventing him from joining other AI companies.”
Poornima also mentioned that Suchir had been engaged in personal research he intended to publish, highlighting ethical issues in AI. “He explained how modulated responses don’t always align with the data in ChatGPT—for example, a black-and-white cat might be represented as coloured,” she said.
She added, “He also pointed out how artists’ and journalists’ work was being misused without consent, which he found deeply unethical. That’s what we discussed the last time we met.”
Call for an FBI Probe in Suchir Balaji Death Case
The grieving parents are calling for an FBI investigation to uncover the truth behind Suchir’s death. “There was evidence of a struggle. He didn’t end his own life. The questions of who did this and why need answers,” Poornima urged, also appealing for support from the Indian government.
Although they appreciated Elon Musk’s public support, the family mentioned they had not reached out to him directly.
Describing Suchir as a compassionate and brilliant individual, his parents said his death represents a significant loss to both humanity and the tech world.
Ethical Concerns and Legacy
Suchir worked at OpenAI for nearly four years before resigning over concerns about unethical practices. In an October post on X, he criticised the use of copyrighted material in AI, stating, “Fair use seems like a pretty implausible defence for a lot of generative AI products.”
An OpenAI spokesperson expressed sympathy, saying, “We are heartbroken by this incredibly tragic news. Our thoughts are with Suchir’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Suchir Balaji was a respected figure in the technology sector. His revelations about AI ethics continue to fuel global debates on the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
About The Author
