In a distressing incident, the Kota district administration in Rajasthan has seized a hostel facility after a NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) aspirant took his own life due to the absence of ‘anti-suicide devices’ in ceiling fans. The 19-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad tragically committed suicide by hanging himself in his hostel room at Kanchan Residency in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar on January 23.
The district administration took swift action against the hostel after it was discovered that the facility violated safety guidelines set in place for the protection of students, as revealed by Kota district collector Dr Ravindra Goswami. These guidelines specifically mandated hostels to install spring devices on ceiling fans to prevent suicide attempts.
Initiation of Seizure Process
Following the unfortunate incident, an inquiry was initiated by the additional district magistrate court. The investigation stemmed from the suicide of a student in the hostel last month. Based on the inquiry report, the ADM (Additional District Magistrate) court directed the initiation of action under CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) Section 133 and ordered the seizure of Kanchan Residency hostel in Rajiv Gandhi Nagar, Talwandi Kota, according to Goswami.
The tragic event has prompted authorities to take strict measures against hostels that do not adhere to safety protocols, ensuring the well-being of students preparing for competitive exams in coaching hubs like Kota.
Details of the Incident
The Circle Officer of Jawahar Nagar area, DSP Bhawani Singh, disclosed that the hostel warden notified the police when the student did not emerge from his room until Tuesday evening. The police were alerted around 10 pm, and upon investigation, it was discovered that the student had taken his own life by hanging. No suicide note was found in the room, and the reasons behind the extreme step are yet to be ascertained pending a thorough investigation.
Concerns Over Student Suicides in Kota
Kota, renowned as a coaching hub, witnesses an influx of lakhs of students from across the country every year who come to prepare for medical and engineering entrance exams. Unfortunately, this incident is not an isolated one, as student suicides in Kota have been a matter of concern. Last year, the city recorded 26 student suicide cases, marking the highest figure in the coaching hub. The tragic incidents underscore the need for stringent safety measures and mental health support for students grappling with the pressures of competitive examinations. The authorities are urged to enforce and monitor safety protocols to prevent such distressing incidents in the future.
