An 18-year-old student has died by suicide in Maharashtra's Latur district, allegedly over the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG paper leak. The incident has sparked outrage and grief, with the victim's father holding the leak responsible for his daughter's extreme step.
Incident Details
According to the police, Maithili Ashok Sonwane, a resident of Gondegaon village, allegedly hanged herself from a tree at her family's farm on the morning of May 16. She was preparing for the NEET-UG examination, which is the entrance test for medical courses in India.
Father's Allegations
The victim's father, Ashok Sonwane, has alleged that his daughter was deeply distressed after learning about the NEET-UG paper leak. He claimed that she felt her efforts were in vain and that the leak had compromised the integrity of the examination. The father has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter and strict action against those responsible for the leak.
Police Investigation
The Latur police have registered a case of accidental death and have launched a probe into the circumstances leading to the suicide. Preliminary investigations suggest that the student was under significant stress due to the examination controversy. The police are also examining the role of any external factors that may have contributed to her decision.
Broader Context
The NEET-UG paper leak has been a major issue in Maharashtra and other states, with students protesting against the breach of examination security. The leak has raised questions about the credibility of the examination process and has led to demands for a re-examination or cancellation of the affected papers. The government has assured that action will be taken against those involved in the leak.
This tragic incident highlights the immense pressure faced by students in competitive examinations and the need for robust measures to prevent such breaches. The authorities have urged students to remain calm and have set up counseling services for those affected by the controversy.



