A 17-year-old medical aspirant died by suicide after jumping from the sixth-floor balcony of his residential apartment in Ahmedabad’s New Ranip area in the early hours of Thursday, just days before the RE-NEET UG examination scheduled for June 21.
The deceased has been identified as Kahan Patel, who had recently passed his Class 12 board examinations with 85 per cent marks. According to police, Kahan was preparing for the RE-NEET UG examination after the original NEET-UG exam conducted on May 3 was cancelled following a suspected paper leak.
The incident took place at around 2:30 am at Aristo Anandam Flats in Tragad, where Kahan lived with his mother and 13-year-old younger brother. The residential complex falls under the jurisdiction of Chandkheda police station.
According to investigators, Kahan cut through a protective bird-net grill installed on the balcony before jumping from the sixth floor. A resident and security personnel of the housing complex noticed him lying in the compound below at around 2:52 am and immediately alerted family members.
Family members, including Kahan’s maternal uncle who lives nearby, rushed to the spot and called the 108 emergency ambulance service. Police said the teenager was still showing signs of life when he was found and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries before doctors could save him.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) D.V. Rana said the incident may have occurred around 15 minutes before emergency services were informed.
Police officials said Kahan suffered severe injuries in the fall. His spectacles were found near the body. Forensic experts and crime scene investigators examined both the apartment and the ground below and collected evidence. The body was later shifted to Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
During the investigation, police learned that Kahan was a dedicated student who aspired to become a doctor. He had appeared for the NEET-UG examination and had performed well. As a precautionary measure while awaiting the results, he had also secured admission to a pharmacy college as an alternative career option.
Family members told investigators that Kahan had been preparing for the RE-NEET UG examination and had not shown any visible signs of distress or anxiety. Moreover, Kahan had never spoken about being under pressure and had not expressed any concerns to his family members.
Police officials also found that Kahan attended a private coaching institute where mobile phones were restricted to minimise distractions from social media. During the investigation, officers seized a laptop from the residence and are examining its contents for possible clues. Investigators have not found any suicide note so far.
ACP Rana said police are examining all possible angles, including academic pressure, family circumstances and psychological factors. He added that investigators have not yet formally interviewed Kahan’s mother because the family remains in shock.
“We are waiting for the last rites to be completed before speaking to his mother, father and other relatives. We have sought a detailed post-mortem report and are also taking the help of psychologists to understand the circumstances that led to the incident,” ACP Rana said.
Police revealed that Kahan’s father, a practising criminal lawyer based in Surat, had been living separately from the family for the past three years.
Meanwhile, Sabarmati police have registered a case of accidental death and launched a detailed investigation. Officers are questioning family members, friends and people associated with his coaching institute while examining electronic devices and other evidence.
The exact reason behind the tragedy remains unclear, and officials said all aspects of the case are being investigated before any conclusions are reached.
The incident has drawn attention because it marks the seventh suicide involving a NEET aspirant since the cancellation of the original NEET-UG examination. The tragedy comes just days before students across Gujarat and other parts of the country are set to appear for the RE-NEET UG examination on June 21.
In another similar incident reported in Tamil Nadu, a 19-year-old Anunkeerthana, NEET aspirant from Coimbatore died by suicide on June 17, just four days before the RE-NEET UG examination scheduled for June 21. According to reports, the Anunkeerthana was preparing for the re-examination and was worried about appearing for the test again. “The frustration of yet another test seems to have driven her,” a senior police officer said.
Police said no suicide note was recovered from the scene. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances leading to her death. The incident triggered protests in Tamil Nadu, where political parties and student groups once again raised demands for exemption from the NEET examination system.
Also Read: From Godhra To Golmuri: NEET Fraud Network Still Active, Charging Up To ₹1 Crore For Exam Manipulation https://www.vibesofindia.com/neet-fraud-rackets-demand-up-to-1-crore-for-manageable-exam-centres/
