Poornima Ramarao, the mother of 26 year old Indian-origin tech researcher and former OpenAI employee, Suchir Balaji, has called for an FBI investigation into his mysterious death.
Ramarao claims that a private autopsy and investigation have uncovered evidence of foul play, directing serious doubt at the San Francisco police‘s conclusion that Suchir had died by suicide.
On her X account, she wrote: “We hired a private investigator and did a second autopsy to throw light on the cause of death. The private autopsy doesn’t confirm the cause of death as stated by police.”
She further added, “Suchir’s apartment was ransacked, signs of a struggle in the bathroom, and blood spots suggest someone hit him there.”
She also added that though this cold-blooded murder has been declared as a suicide by San Fransisco police, it does not stop them from getting justice.
“We demand FBI investigation.”
Billionaire Elon Musk also held up Ramarao’s claims, responding, “This doesn’t seem like a suicide”
Earlier, in an interview with the Business Insider, Ramarao claimed that her son was financially secure, with stock holdings that could have allowed him to purchase a home, and he had plans to establish a machine-learning nonprofit focused on healthcare. “He was upbeat and happy,”adding, “What can go wrong within a few hours that his life is lost?”
The tragedy happened shortly after Balaji’s 26th birthday.
Ramarao said that she was unable to reach him and assumed he might have misplaced his phone or gone hiking. She visited his apartment on Monday but received no response. Growing concerned, she contacted the San Francisco police, who discovered his body the next day.
The police informed Ramarao that CCTV footage showed that Balaji was alone in the apartment and ruled out foul play. However, the family claims they were not allowed to enter the apartment or inspect his belongings, deepening their doubts.
The family’s push for answers includes legal efforts to pressure San Francisco authorities to reopen the case. They have launched a Change.org petition, a social media campaign, and an event on 27 December to commemorate Balaji’s life and raise awareness.
“It doesn’t look like a normal situation.” Ramarao said. Balaji’s parents are working with an attorney to press the San Francisco police to reopen the case and do a “proper investigation.”
However, Ramarao also emphasized that the family isn’t pointing fingers at OpenAI.
Balaji, a respected figure in the tech industry, was known for his contributions to OpenAI and his outspoken criticism of AI companies’ practices. He made headlines in October after an interview with The New York Times, where he raised concerns about potential copyright violations by leading AI firms. He resigned from OpenAI in August, citing ethical disagreements, and became a pivotal figure in The New York Times’ copyright case against OpenAI.
Shortly after his 26th birthday, Balaji was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on 26 November. The police cited CCTV footage showing he was alone and quickly ruled the death a suicide. However, his family, friends, and supporters have raised questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
The San Francisco police have reiterated there is no evidence of foul play, but Ramarao’s call for an FBI investigation is gaining public support.
