School girl hangs self over academic stress in Kota

KOTA: A Class 11 student allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself from a ceiling fan here on Saturday over academic stress, police said. However, no suicide note was recovered from her room, they said. Pratishta Mahawar (17), a resident of Pragati Vihar, had taken Science stream and was studying in Class 1, they said.

The girl allegedly died by suicide in her house at around 11.30 am when her mother was in market and sister was in library, the police said, adding that when the mother reached home, she found the girl hanging from the ceiling fan.

According to family members, the girl aimed at taking an entrance exam to pursue a career in the medical field. However, she did not join any coaching institute for preparation and was doing self-studies, besides attending school, Borekheda Circle Inspector Devesh Bhardwaj said.

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The girl was reportedly under depression and stress due to studies. However, the actual reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained. The family is native of Chabda town in Baran district and currently live in Kota.

The girl's father is a teacher in railway training school and posted in Madhya Pradesh’s Katani, he said. The body was handed over to the family after a post-mortem. A case has been registered and a probe is underway, the officer 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.