'Sorry papa, I tried': Kanpur scholar dies by suicide; note cites failed attempts to secure government job

KANPUR: A 23-year-old B Tech gold medallist allegedly died by suicide at his home in Kanpur, leaving behind a note apologising to his father for failing to secure a government job despite repeated attempts, police said on Sunday. The deceased, Anand, had topped the B Tech (Electrical Engineering) programme at a private engineering college, PSIT, in 2024 and secured the third rank in Uttar Pradesh.

He was awarded a gold medal at a college function on August 13, 2024.

According to the police, Anand was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room at his three-storey house in the Gujaini area of Govind Nagar after the family's domestic help alerted neighbours and police when repeated knocks on the door went unanswered. His family had travelled to Bihar to finalise his elder brother's marriage.

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Suicide note recovered

Police broke open the door and recovered the body along with a handwritten five-line note. "Sorry, papa, I tried nearly 50 times to get a government job, but I couldn't succeed. Please forgive me," the note read, according to the police. The body was sent for post-mortem examination, and the last rites were performed at Bhairav Ghat on Saturday evening.

Anand's father, Rajkumar, a retired employee of Lohiya Private Limited and a native of Buxar in Bihar, said his son completed a one-year apprenticeship with Power Grid after graduation before devoting himself to preparing for competitive examinations.

"He appeared for recruitment examinations conducted by the Railways, SSC, banks and the education department, but could not succeed. He had been under severe stress for the past several months," Rajkumar said.

Station House Officer of Govind Nagar police station Ashok Kumar Dubey said the note had been recovered from the room. "Preliminary investigation suggests he was under stress over not being able to secure a government job. However, all aspects of the case are being examined," Dubey said.

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.