San Francisco: In a shocking turn of events, 28-year-old tech whistleblower Suchir Balaji was found dead in his apartment on November 26, days after his body was discovered with a gunshot wound to the head. Prior to his death, Balaji appeared to be in high spirits as he took a brief walk to collect his last meal on the evening of November 22, captured in newly revealed surveillance footage.
Balaji's Final Moments Before Tragedy
On the night of his death, Balaji was seen walking through his apartment building’s lobby around 7:30 PM, dressed casually in jeans and a zip-up sweater. He grabbed a takeout meal, containing rice, meat, and vegetables, and returned to the elevator, earbuds in place. His family believes this final footage proves he was not depressed or suicidal, contradicting the medical examiner's conclusion. Balaji had spoken to his father earlier in the evening, discussing his recent holiday and plans for the future, with no indication of distress.
Controversy Over Cause of Death
While police and the medical examiner ruled the death a suicide, citing evidence of alcohol and GHB in his system, Balaji's parents suspect foul play. They claim the investigation overlooked crucial details, such as the fact that the apartment's windows were restricted, making it nearly impossible for anyone to enter without a key. Despite a lack of security footage from building cameras, the authorities maintain their stance that no one else was involved. The San Francisco Police Department, in a joint statement with the ME's office, emphasised that the investigation found no evidence of homicide.
Balaji’s parents continue to challenge the findings, raising doubts about the official conclusion and hinting at a broader conspiracy linked to his outspoken criticism of the tech industry, particularly OpenAI.
