A National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) aspirant died by suicide in Salem on Monday. The 19-year-old student was preparing for NEET for the third time this year.
According to IANS, a 19-year-old, Chandru, was attempting to appear for the highly-competitive exam scheduled to take place on May 7, at a coaching centre in Athur, Salem.
On Monday, the student was found hanging in his hostel room by his roommate, Balaji, who had returned to the centre from his hometown.
Upon information, police rushed to the spot and started the investigation. They then recovered the body of the student and sent it for autopsy.
Athur Tahsildar, officials and police are probing the cause of the death.
However, after the news of the student's death spread in the area, tension gripped the region. As a result, heavy police forces have been deployed around the campus to avoid law and order issues.
On Tuesday, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi planned a demonstration across the state demanding the cancellation of NEET in Tamil Nadu.
Till now, several NEET aspirants have taken extreme decisions. Anitha, who filed a case against NEET, died by suicide. Anitha scored 1,176 marks out of 1,200 marks in Class 12 examinations in 2017. However, the Centre made NEET mandatory for getting admission into medical colleges.
From the time DMK took over the governance, the state has been vocal about its opposition to NEET. The Tamil Nadu government also readopted and passed NEET Bill unanimously in Tamil Nadu Assembly. Later, Governor RN Ravi forwarded the legislation for President's consideration. However, till now there is no update regarding the Bill.
(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state.
Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104.
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)