Suchir Balaji’s mother calls for FBI investigation, alleging foul play; flag investigation by San Francisco police

Purnima Ramaraomother of a 26-year-old Indian-origin technology researcher and former OpenAI employee, Suchir Balajicalled for FBI investigation in his mysterious death.
Ramarao says a private autopsy and investigation uncovered evidence of a crime that raises serious doubts San Francisco Policehe concluded that Suchir had committed suicide.
On her account, X wrote: “We hired a private investigator and performed a second autopsy to shed light on the cause of death. A private autopsy does not confirm the cause of death given by the police.”
She further added: “Suchir’s apartment was ransacked, there were signs of a fight in the bathroom and blood stains suggest that someone had hit him there.”
She also added that although San Francisco police ruled the cold-blooded murder a suicide, that didn’t stop them from bringing justice.
“We demand an FBI investigation.”

Billionaire Elon Musk also stood by Ramarao’s claims, replying: “It doesn’t look like suicide.”

Previously in an interview with Business Insider, Ramarao stated that her son is financially secure, has stock that allowed him to buy a house, and plans to start a machine learning nonprofit focused on health care. “He was upbeat and happy,” adding: “What could go wrong in a matter of hours for him to lose his life?”
The tragedy occurred soon after Balaji’s 26th birthday.
Ramarao said she was unable to contact him and assumed he may have lost his phone or gone on a hiking trip. She visited his apartment on Monday but received no response. Increasingly concerned, she contacted San Francisco police, who found his body the next day.
The police told Ramarao that CCTV footage showed that Balaji was alone in the apartment and ruled out a crime. However, the family claims that they were not allowed to enter the apartment or check his belongings, which deepens their doubts.
The family’s push for answers includes legal efforts to pressure San Francisco authorities to reopen the case. They organized a Change.org petition, a social media campaign and hosted an event on December 27 to commemorate Balaji’s life and raise awareness.
– This doesn’t seem like a normal situation. Said Ramaro. Balaji’s parents are working with a lawyer to pressure San Francisco police to reopen the case and conduct an “appropriate investigation.”
However, Ramarao also stressed that the family is not pointing fingers at OpenAI.
Balaji, a respected figure in the tech industry, was known for his contributions to OpenAI and his outspoken criticism of the practices of artificial intelligence companies. In October, he made headlines after an interview with The New York Times in which he raised concerns about potential copyright infringements by leading artificial intelligence companies. He resigned from OpenAI in August, citing ethical disputes, and became a key 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 November 26. 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 of his death.
San Francisco police reiterate that there is no evidence of a crime, but Ramarao’s call for an FBI investigation is gaining public support.