IIT Hyderabad student’s ‘Epstein Files’ email backfires, CEO says ‘This approach won’t help you’

CEO criticises IIT student over controversial email stunt. (AI-generated image)

In a competitive job market, first impressions often begin with a subject line. A single sentence can decide whether an email is read or ignored. One recent attempt to stand out has now started a wider discussion about professionalism and good judgement.

A cold email sent by a student from IIT Hyderabad to a startup founder has drawn criticism online after it used a controversial reference to attract attention. The founder later shared the exchange publicly, urging young applicants to think carefully before trying such tactics.

Harshdeep Rapal, founder and CEO of Legitt AI, posted a screenshot of the email he received from a Computer Science student at IIT Hyderabad. The subject line read, “Your name is in Epstein Files.”

However, when Rapal opened the email, he found that it was meant as a joke. The message began, “Hello Harshdeep, Just kidding, I wanted you to open the mail.”

The student then introduced himself and expressed interest in the company’s work. “I am [name redacted], CSE, IIT Hyderabad. I have gone through your website and came across the concept of the Smart Contracts Assistant. I would love to have a discussion. PFA of my resume,” the email said.

Rapal said he found the approach unprofessional. Sharing the screenshot on X, formerly known as X, he wrote: “Folks, please don’t do this.”

He explained why he believed such subject lines could harm a candidate’s chances. He wrote, “Take a moment to understand the context. At Legitt AI, we work in the business of contracts. It’s serious work that requires accountability, ownership, and professionalism. If your very first email to me has that kind of subject line and opening message, I (and honestly, most founders or business leaders) simply won’t respond.”

Rapal also addressed the pressure students may feel when trying to stand out. He said, “I understand that desperation can sometimes push people to take shortcuts - but this approach won’t help you.” He advised students to communicate thoughtfully and professionally.

The post received strong reactions online. Many users criticised the student’s decision. “I am shocked at the immaturity level. With this thought process who would hire even if the candidate is the best in his hard skills. Psychology matters…” wrote one X user.

Another user commented that the tactic did at least succeed in being noticed. “But it made u open the email!” Rapal replied, “I am a big believer in cold emails. I open all mails written by humans and skim/read them. I only ignore automated emails.”

Folks, please don’t do this.

Take a moment to understand the context. At Legitt AI, we work in the business of contracts. It’s serious work that requires accountability, ownership, and professionalism. If your very first email to me has that kind of subject line and opening… pic.twitter.com/S3LsXmR9uQ — Harshdeep Rapal | Legitt AI (@harshdeeprapal) February 12, 2026

Others said the student may have confused creativity with professionalism. One user explained, “Some people just think they are being creative and thinking out of the box and do such immature stuff without realising that people would be annoyed by such tricks. They think somehow such emails might be perceived as creative and they would be given an opportunity, like shown in movies.”

Another added, “Getting attention and keeping it is two different things, this guy has to realise that.” One more user wrote, “Genuinely curious what goes through someone's head when they hit send on this. It's not just unprofessional, it’s a massive liability risk for any firm.”

Another said, “Really, who does this? This level of immaturity is unacceptable. I will never engage with such a firm or individuals. No thanks.”

One user reflected on a wider trend online, “Unfortunately, this type of sensationalism is being normalised on social media, and people think this is cool. Traditional approaches have resulted in zero reverts too but that should not push people to take these regressive methods.”