NEET Aspirant Dies by Suicide in Maharashtra
A 19-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide in Maharashtra after recording a video for her mother, expressing her love and saying she wants to be born as her child in the next life. The incident occurred in the city of Nashik on Thursday, June 25, 2026.
The student, identified as Priya Sharma, was a resident of the Panchavati area. She was preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. According to police, she recorded a video on her mobile phone before taking the extreme step.
Video Message to Mother
In the video, Priya is seen speaking directly to her mother. She says, "Maa, I love you. In my next life, I want to be born as your child again." She also apologizes for not being able to fulfill her mother's dreams. The video has been recovered by the police and is part of the investigation.
Police officials stated that the video indicates she was under immense stress due to exam preparation. No suicide note was found at the scene. The family has been informed, and the body has been sent for post-mortem.
Rising Cases of Student Suicides
This tragic incident highlights the growing pressure on students in competitive exams like NEET. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 10,000 students died by suicide in India in 2024, with a significant number attributed to exam stress.
In Maharashtra alone, at least 15 student suicides were reported in the first half of 2026, according to local education department data. Experts call for better mental health support and counseling for students.
Police Investigation Underway
Senior Police Inspector Ramesh Patil of Panchavati police station said, "We have registered a case of accidental death and are investigating the matter. The video has been sent for forensic analysis. We are also questioning family members and friends to understand the circumstances leading to the incident."
Priya's father, a shopkeeper, said she was a bright student and had scored well in her board exams. He added that she had been under pressure to crack NEET and had been taking coaching classes for the past two years.
Community Reaction
The incident has sparked outrage and grief in the local community. Residents have demanded better mental health facilities and awareness programs. Education activist Sunita Deshmukh said, "The education system needs to address the mental well-being of students. Parents and teachers must be trained to recognize signs of stress."
Authorities have urged students to seek help if they feel overwhelmed. Helpline numbers for mental health support have been circulated in the area.
