A shocking incident in Surat has sparked nationwide debate about the responsible use of artificial intelligence after two young women were found dead in a temple washroom. Authorities revealed that the women had reportedly searched for suicide-related information using ChatGPT before their deaths. The incident also drew a brief but notable reaction from tech billionaire Elon Musk, who responded to the news with a single word: “Yikes.”
What Happened in Surat
According to police reports, the two women—both between 18 and 20 years old—went missing on Friday after leaving their homes for college in the morning. When they failed to return by the afternoon, their families became worried and filed a missing persons complaint with local authorities.
Police began tracking their mobile phones and eventually traced the signals to the Swaminarayan Temple. Investigators soon discovered that a scooter belonging to one of the women was parked outside the temple premises, raising suspicion that they might be somewhere inside the complex.
Officers then reviewed CCTV footage from the temple. The footage showed both women entering the temple washroom area together. However, there was no video showing them leaving the facility. When authorities checked the washroom, they discovered the bodies of the two women.
Next to the bodies, police found bottles containing an anesthetic substance along with syringes. Investigators believe the women may have injected the anesthetic themselves.
Disturbing Discovery on Their Phones
During the investigation, officials examined the victims’ mobile phones, which revealed troubling details. Assistant Commissioner of Police NP Gohil stated that the women had searched online for methods of suicide.
According to the officer, the search history showed queries on ChatGPT related to which drugs could potentially be used to die by suicide. Authorities also found a screenshot saved in the phone gallery showing a news report about a woman who had allegedly injected anesthetic to end her life.
The two victims were reportedly childhood friends. One was a first-year commerce student while the other was studying in the second year of college. Police said both appeared to have been close companions for years.
Investigators are currently trying to determine what circumstances or emotional distress might have led the young women to take such a step. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and forensic tests are being conducted to confirm the exact cause of death.
Officials emphasized that the case is still under investigation and they are examining all possible angles, including psychological, social, and personal factors that might have influenced the tragedy.
Elon Musk Reacts
The incident soon gained widespread attention on social media, where it triggered discussions about artificial intelligence and online safety. Among those reacting to the news was Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and owner of X.
Yikes https://t.co/iDlYOJW1lO
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 9, 2026
Responding to a post discussing the case and the alleged use of ChatGPT, Musk posted a one-word reply: “Yikes.” Although brief, the response quickly went viral, adding to the ongoing debate about AI tools and their societal impact.
Musk’s Ongoing Criticism of OpenAI
Musk’s reaction also comes amid his ongoing legal and ideological dispute with OpenAI, the organization behind ChatGPT. Musk, who was once involved in the early stages of OpenAI, has been increasingly critical of the company’s direction.
He has accused OpenAI’s leadership, including CEO Sam Altman and president Greg Brockman, of moving away from the organization’s original nonprofit mission. According to Musk, the company has shifted toward a closed-source and profit-driven model.
Musk has also promoted his own AI chatbot, Grok, which is integrated into the social media platform X. He often argues that Grok is designed to be more transparent and less biased than competing AI tools.
During one legal deposition related to the dispute, Musk made a controversial remark comparing AI platforms. He stated that while no suicides had been linked to Grok, reports suggested such incidents had been associated with ChatGPT.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities in Surat continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two students. Officials say they are speaking with family members, friends, and college authorities to understand whether the victims were facing emotional distress or external pressures.
The tragic case has once again raised concerns about mental health awareness among young people and the need for responsible use of technology. Experts say that while AI tools can be useful for learning and information, sensitive topics like mental health require careful handling and professional support.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the incident and understanding what led two young lives to end in such a heartbreaking manner.
