NEET Aspirant and JEE Student Die by Suicide in Kota; 7 Student Suicides in 15 Days
Jaipur / Kota, January 22: In a deeply troubling development, two students preparing for competitive exams in Kota died by suicide within a span of two hours on Wednesday. The incidents occurred in the Jawahar Nagar police jurisdiction and have added to the alarming statistic of seven student suicides in the city over the past 15 days.
Two Suicides in Two Hours
Incident 1: JEE Aspirant Found Dead
In the afternoon, Parag (18), a student preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), was found hanging in his rented accommodation in Mahavir Nagar.
- Origin: Parag hailed from Assam and had been staying in Kota with his mother.
- Upcoming Exam: His JEE-Main exam was scheduled for next week.
- Police Statement: The authorities have confirmed that the body has been shifted to the mortuary for further investigation. The cause behind the suicide remains unclear.
Incident 2: NEET Aspirant Ends Life
Earlier that morning, Afsha Sheikh (23), a NEET aspirant from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was discovered hanging in her PG accommodation at Pratiksha Residency.
- Duration in Kota: Afsha had been in Kota for six months to prepare for the medical entrance exam.
- Safety Concern: Despite guidelines mandating the installation of hanging prevention devices in ceiling fans, the PG lacked the necessary equipment.
- Discovery: The PG owner discovered Afshaโs body and alerted the police. Her family has been informed, and an autopsy will be conducted upon their arrival.
Rising Toll: 7 Student Suicides in 15 Days
Kota, Indiaโs coaching hub for competitive exams, has reported seven student suicides in just 15 days, highlighting the mounting pressure faced by young aspirants. Despite numerous interventions by authorities, including counseling services and safety measures, the trend continues to raise serious concerns about student well-being.
Why Are Students Taking This Step?
While the exact reasons behind the suicides remain under investigation, experts point to several potential factors:
- Academic Pressure: The intense competition to secure top ranks in exams like JEE and NEET.
- Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation are common among students in high-pressure environments.
- Lack of Support Systems: Many students live away from their families and lack access to strong emotional support.
- Safety Oversight: The absence of hanging prevention devices in PG accommodations remains a glaring issue.
Police and Authority Response
CI Ram Lakshman of the Jawahar Nagar police station emphasized the need for stronger measures to address student mental health and safety. โThese incidents are tragic reminders of the pressure students face. We urge institutions and families to work together to support their children,โ he said.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding both deaths and are urging students to seek help if they feel overwhelmed.
Addressing the Crisis: What Needs to Change?
The rising number of suicides in Kota calls for immediate action from all stakeholders. Key areas that need attention include:
- Stronger Mental Health Support:
- Regular counseling sessions at coaching centers.
- Helplines and mental health awareness programs.
- Improved Safety Measures:
- Mandatory installation of hanging prevention devices in all PG accommodations.
- Regular inspections to ensure compliance.
- Family and Peer Support:
- Parents and guardians must maintain open communication with their children.
- Encouraging a balanced approach to academics and personal well-being.
- Reduced Stigma Around Mental Health:
- Students should feel encouraged to speak about their struggles without fear of judgment.
