A 20-year-old NEET aspirant from Rajasthan's Sikar district died by suicide on Thursday, allegedly after the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) question paper. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the immense pressure faced by medical aspirants.
Heartbreaking Note Left Behind
The deceased, identified as Priyanka Meena, left a suicide note in which she expressed her inability to cope with the prospect of giving the exam again. "I don't have the strength to give the exam again. The leak has shattered my dreams," she wrote. The note also mentioned the emotional and mental toll the repeated attempts had taken on her.
Police Investigation Underway
Sikar police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances leading to the suicide. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Priyanka was deeply distressed after learning about the alleged leak of the NEET question paper, which had led to calls for a re-examination. The police are also examining her phone and social media accounts to understand her state of mind.
Family in Shock
Priyanka's family, who are residents of a small village in Sikar, are devastated by the loss. Her father, a farmer, said that she was preparing for NEET for the past two years and was under immense pressure to succeed. "She was a bright student and always dreamed of becoming a doctor. We never thought she would take such a drastic step," he said.
Rising Cases of Student Suicides
This incident adds to the growing number of student suicides in the country, particularly among those preparing for competitive exams. According to recent data, India has seen a significant rise in student suicides, with academic pressure being a leading cause. Experts have called for better mental health support and counseling services for students.
Reactions from Education Activists
Education activists have condemned the exam leak and the systemic issues that lead to such tragedies. "The NEET leak is a criminal act that has cost lives. The authorities must ensure strict action against those responsible and provide adequate support to affected students," said Rakesh Sharma, a local activist.
Government Response
The Rajasthan government has assured a thorough investigation into the matter. The state education minister expressed condolences to the family and promised that the guilty would be punished. Meanwhile, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has denied any leak and stated that the exam was conducted smoothly. However, students and parents have demanded a re-examination to ensure fairness.
The incident has reignited the debate on the mental health of students and the need for reforms in the education system. As the nation mourns the loss of a young life, questions are being raised about the pressures that drive students to such extreme measures.
