The mother of former OpenAI researcher and whistleblower, Suchir Balaji, has released new CCTV images, claiming they show critical evidence contradicting the official ruling of his death. The 26-year-old was found dead in his San Francisco apartment on November 26, just a month after he publicly accused OpenAI of unethical practices, including alleged copyright violations in the development of ChatGPT.
Balaji, who had been a key researcher at OpenAI for four years, had recently come forward as a whistleblower, shedding light on the artificial intelligence company’s controversial methods. His family, however, has strongly contested the official suicide ruling, insisting that the circumstances surrounding his death suggest foul play.
Final Moments Caught on CCTV
In a newly released surveillance image, Balaji is seen entering his apartment building around 7:30 PM on the day of his death. He appears calm, carrying a bag, seemingly returning from a backpacking trip. His mother, Poornima Ramarao, questions how someone who looks so composed and in control just hours before his death could be ruled a suicide case without further investigation.
“Does he look stressed?” she asked in a social media post, implying that the official explanation fails to account for what she sees as clear discrepancies in the timeline of events.
Ramarao further alleges that key CCTV footage from the building had been tampered with, including cameras in the elevator and garage, which she claims “stopped working” at critical moments. She believes this was a calculated effort to obscure evidence.
Toxicology Report Raises More Questions
The family has also expressed deep suspicion regarding the toxicology findings. Initially, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) stated that Balaji had high levels of GHB—a known sedative often associated with incapacitation—alongside alcohol in his system.
According to Ramarao, officials later dismissed these findings, claiming that GHB can occur naturally in the body postmortem. However, she argues that the detected levels were far beyond what could be considered normal.
“With this combination [GHB and alcohol], he would be losing muscle control or possibly unconscious,” she stated. “We are waiting for a toxicologist to give a written report.”
Claims of a Long-Term Plan to Silence Him
In an increasingly desperate pursuit of justice, Balaji’s parents have taken matters into their own hands, hiring an independent expert to conduct a second autopsy. They remain steadfast in their belief that their son did not take his own life but was instead silenced due to his revelations about OpenAI’s operations.
“This murder conspiracy was executed with long-term planning,” Ramarao alleged, hinting that her son had been under surveillance in the weeks leading up to his death. She also noted that he had previously voiced his concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence, telling her, “AI is a harm to humanity.”
Family Demands a Full Investigation
The family has publicly called for a reinvestigation into Balaji’s death, refusing to accept the official suicide ruling without further scrutiny. They insist that evidence at the scene, including what they describe as “blood shots in the bathroom” and “signs of a struggle,” has not been adequately addressed.
“He went into his apartment and never came out. How can anyone believe that there was no suicide note, no explanation?” his mother questioned.
Balaji’s case has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with many questioning the circumstances of his death, particularly in light of his whistleblower status. As the family continues to fight for answers, the controversy surrounding his passing only deepens, raising troubling questions about corporate power, transparency, and the lengths to which some might go to protect their secrets.