Family of OpenAI Whistleblower Files Lawsuit, Claims Police Cover-Up in Son's Death

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The parents of Suchir Balaji, an OpenAI whistleblower found dead in November, have filed a lawsuit against the San Francisco Police Department, alleging negligence and a cover-up in the investigation of their son's death. Poornima Rao, Balaji's mother, stated in an interview with CNN-News18 that the police declared the case a suicide without reviewing critical CCTV footage.

The lawsuit stems from claims that the police mishandled the investigation, making contradictory statements about whether the case was open or closed. Rao criticized the officers for failing to investigate thoroughly and seeking evidence that could clarify the circumstances surrounding her son's death. “They have violated California's Public Records Act and we sued them for the violation of CPRA,” she asserted.

Balaji had raised ethical concerns regarding OpenAI’s practices and was reportedly a witness in a lawsuit against the organization. His family also suspects foul play, alleging that data related to Balaji’s revelations was deleted by OpenAI prior to his death.

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