The mysterious death of an OpenAI whistleblower, Suchir Balaji, in San Francisco last November has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh allegations suggesting foul play. The deceased, an Indian-origin researcher and former OpenAI employee, was found dead in his apartment in what officials have ruled as suicide. However, his parents have broken their silence, calling it a case of “cold-blooded murder.”
Speaking to India Today, investigative journalist George Webb revealed that a crucial “backup device” believed to hold “sensitive information” related to lawsuits against OpenAI has gone missing. Webb claimed the whistleblower had been preparing the device for a meeting with The New York Times.
Ransacked apartment and questionable evidence
Webb echoed concerns raised by the whistleblower’s mother, alleging that the apartment showed signs of a struggle. “The apartment was ransacked. Blood trails suggested he was crawling out of the bathroom, seeking help. His injuries, including a gunshot wound, appeared more consistent with interrogation tactics than suicide,” Webb stated.
Criticizing the San Francisco Police Department’s handling of the case, Webb called their labeling of the death as a suicide “premature” and raised doubts about the investigation’s rigour. “The police deliberated for just 14 minutes. They didn’t verify if his hand had gunshot residue or conduct ballistics tests to confirm the bullet matched the weapon,” he noted.
OpenAI is not suspected, but timing raises questions
While Webb dismissed the possibility of OpenAI’s involvement in the death, he acknowledged the ongoing legal troubles facing the ChatGPT creator. “I really don’t think OpenAI, with as much trouble as they’re in with all these lawsuits, would help their case by making a martyr out of suture biology,” Webb said.
The timing of the case has also drawn scrutiny, as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is a member of the transition team for San Francisco’s incoming mayor, Daniel Lurie. Webb described the timing as “couldn’t be worse,” further fueling speculation around the case.
Calls for justice and transparency
The parents of the whistleblower have called for an independent investigation, demanding justice for their son. As allegations of a cover-up gain traction, critics are urging authorities to reexamine the case with greater transparency.
The missing “backup device,” coupled with unanswered questions about the circumstances of the whistleblower’s death, has cast a shadow over the ongoing legal battles involving OpenAI. The case continues to spark debate, drawing attention to issues of corporate accountability, whistleblower protection, and the integrity of law enforcement investigations.