Kota: JEE aspirant from Bhopal dies after falling from building's ninth floor; accident or suicide unclear

NEW DELHI: A 17-year-old student from Bhopal preparing for JEE in Kota died after allegedly falling off the ninth floor of a multi-story building in Kota on Friday afternoon, officials said.

The deceased student was identified as Ishan Paliwal (17), a resident of Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, who was preparing for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and lived with his mother in the Jawahar Nagar police station area of the city.

The teenager fell off the balcony of the building and died shortly after, during treatment at a private hospital, DSP Yogesh Sharma said. The DSP added that it is yet to be ascertained if the student's death was an accident or suicide. Later, the FSL squad was sent to the scene to collect evidence for investigation.

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The teenager's mother was with him when the incident occurred, the DSP said, adding that he sustained severe injuries and was rushed to a private hospital; however, he could not be saved and died shortly after. The mother is in a state of shock following her son's death. Meanwhile, the body has been placed in the mortuary of the MBS hospital for the postmortem, which will be done after his father arrives from Bhopal, police 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.