NEET tragedy: Student sends mother apology, commits suicide
text_fields
Mumbai: The suicide of an 18-year-old student in Maharashtra following the NEET-UG re-examination has intensified concerns over the mounting psychological toll of the examination controversy that has already triggered protests and drawn widespread criticism across the country.
The student, identified as Sushil Dhage from Hingoli district, died after allegedly jumping into a well shortly after appearing for the NEET-UG re-test conducted on June 21. According to police, he had been under severe mental stress and feared he would not clear the examination, which had been reconducted after the original May 3 test was cancelled over allegations of a question paper leak.
Before taking the extreme step, Sushil recorded a video message on his mobile phone and sent it to his mother. In the message, he apologised repeatedly to his parents and family and sought forgiveness. Police said the student jumped into the well after sending the video.
The latest death comes amid reports of multiple student suicides from different parts of the country following the cancellation of the original examination and the uncertainty created by the decision to hold a re-test. Student organisations and political groups have blamed the examination crisis for pushing candidates into intense anxiety and emotional distress.
The controversy has also fuelled protests demanding accountability from the Union Education Ministry. Several organisations, including the Cockroach Janata Party, have been holding demonstrations in Delhi seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the examination scandal.
Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation continues its probe into the NEET question paper leak case. As part of the investigation, the agency has already arrested a Pune-based chemistry teacher who is alleged to be among the key accused in the case.