In a distressing turn of events, a 20-year-old student hailing from West Bengal, who was diligently preparing for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), was discovered deceased in his private room in Kota, Rajasthan on Monday, November 27, 2023. The student, identified as Hussain, was residing in the Wakf Nagar area of the city and was sharing rented accommodation with fellow students.
According to statements provided to the police by Hussain's roommates, they last saw him around 4 pm on the fateful day when he locked himself in his room. Concerned about his well-being, they attempted to contact him but received no response. Worried for their friend, the students sought the landlord's assistance, leading to the discovery of Hussain's lifeless body. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The exact cause of Hussain's suicide remains unclear, and an investigation is currently underway. A postmortem will be conducted, after which the student's body will be handed over to his grieving family. This unfortunate incident marks the 28th suicide in Kota this year, prompting authorities to take preventive measures.
In response to the rising number of suicides, the authorities have mandated the installation of anti-hanging devices in ceiling fans at all coaching centres. Additionally, coaching institutes have been instructed not to conduct tests at centres until October, emphasizing the need for mental support for students facing the intense pressure of competitive exams.
Kota, known as the country's coaching hub, has witnessed a surge in student suicides, reaching a staggering 28 this year, a significant increase from the previous year's figure of 15. The city attracts over two lakh students annually, drawn to its coaching centres for rigorous preparation for exams such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and NEET for medical college admissions. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention within the academic community.