Disturbing trend of student suicides at PES University

Four student suicides over an eight-month period

Suicides have left university and public grappling for answers

The Union Ministry of Education has demanded an urgent investigation into the disturbing trend of student suicides at PES University in Karnataka. In a letter dated April 1, 2024, addressed to the Chief Secretary of the Karnataka government, the Ministry highlighted the need for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.

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The call for investigation comes in the wake of four student suicides over an eight-month period. Aditya Prabhu’s suicide in July 2023 was the first of these tragic incidents, followed by Surya’s in October 2023, Vignesh’s in January 2024, and most recently, Rahul’s on May 14, 2024. Shockingly, three of these students ended their lives by jumping from the sixth floor of a building at the PES College in Electronic City, while another leapt from the eighth floor at the Hoskerehalli campus.

The recurring suicides have left the university community and the public grappling for answers. Despite the frequency and similarity of these incidents, the underlying reasons remain a mystery. There is growing frustration over the apparent inaction by the university’s governing body.

Social media has amplified the outrage, with the hashtag #SaveOurStudents gaining traction. Concerned citizens and student bodies are demanding transparency and a thorough investigation to uncover the root causes of these suicides. The police have pledged to intensify their efforts to solve this distressing pattern and bring much-needed closure to the grieving families.

The Ministry’s directive underscores the urgency of addressing mental health issues and ensuring the safety and well-being of students at PES University.