Another teen kills self due to exam fear

MUMBAI: Just a day after a 16-year-old Chembur-based schoolboy committed suicide, a 15-year-old schoolgirl ended life in Kandivali on Wednesday. The reason for both the deaths, according to the police has been inability to cope the examination stress and anxiety over upcoming class 10 board exams.

The girl was found hanging from the ceiling fan in her apartment at Kandivali-east. The parents were in the other room when the incident happened. Around 8.30 pm, when her family members found her, they took her to Sancheti Hospital but within a couple of hours, she was declared dead.

According to the police, an accidental death case has been registered but the police will interrogate the family members after a few days.

Similarly, in the case of the Chembur-based schoolboy, he had hanged himself from the ceiling fan when his parents were away for a family function. The incident happened after he scored less marks in one of his preliminary examinations of class 10. Two suicide notes were obtained beside the body, which was for his parents and friends. He held himself responsible for the extreme step.

“There is no greater gift than life,” said Rajeeshwari Nadar, a veteran teacher. “Your life is not greater than any examination and thus, in any trouble, instead of a rope or knife, talk to your parents, teachers or even your friends. An exam will be over in a month or two, your life shall continue for a long time,” she added.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation have also set up helpline numbers — 24131212 or 24131212 — for students can facing exam stress.