AMU student commits suicide, describes self as 'loser' in note left behind

An undergraduate student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself at his rented accommodation here, police said on Saturday. In a note left behind by the student, he described himself as a "loser" who was unable to cope with the issues he was facing and urged his parents to forgive him, according to police sources.

This is the second such incident involving an AMU student in the past four weeks. AMU Proctor Naved Khan said Krishna Sharma, 22, a second-year BA (Hons) student of Foreign Languages (French), was found hanging at his rented accommodation in the Civil Lines area adjoining the university campus on Friday. He said Sharma hailed from Jammu and Kashmir and had returned from his hometown about four days ago.

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The proctor said that according to Sharma's roommates, he appeared "disturbed" since his return. A suicide note was recovered from the student's room and taken into possession by police's forensic team, which reached the spot shortly after the university authorities were informed about the incident, Khan said. "I would prefer not to disclose the contents of the suicide note, but the issue had nothing to do with his association with the university," he asserted.

Khan said AMU has a strict protocol for cases in which students are reported to be exhibiting signs of distress or disturbed behaviour. A trained team of therapists responds to such cases, he said. The police sources said Sharma's note was addressed to his parents. He described himself as a "loser" who was unable to deal with the issues he was facing and pleaded with them to forgive him, they said. Police said the student's family members have reached Aligarh and are awaiting the post-mortem before taking custody of the body.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.