A 19-year-old aspiring doctor died of suspected suicide in Madurai on Saturday, apparently ‘apprehensive’ by the National Entry Eligibility Test (NEET). The candidate’s suicide provoked strong responses from political parties in Tamil Nadu that opposed the NEET.
The victim, identified as Jothisri Durga, was found hanging at her residence and an alleged suicide note left by her said she was “apprehensive,” although others had “high hopes” of her, police said.
The death comes days after another aspiring doctor in Ariyalur, in the state, allegedly also committed suicide.
Deputy Chief Minister O Pannerselvam mourned Jothishree’s death. His death occurred just one day before the date of the medical admission test. It’s sad to hear that students, the pillars of our future, were taking such extreme steps, Pannerselvam lamented in a tweet, urging parents to support students and help them meet challenges with strength.
Opposition in arms
DMK president MK Stalin said on his Facebook page that he was shocked to learn of the girl’s death. Suicide is not a solution, NEET is not a test, Stalin said.
With the Center being adamant about supporting NEETs, we don’t know how many more lives we could lose, MDMK Secretary General Vaiko said in a statement. Recalling the various cases of student suicide who fear the outcome of the NEETs, she said that NEETs should be banned to save lives and defend social justice.
In conveying his condolences to the Jothishree family, PMK founder Dr. S Ramadoss said that he hanged himself out of fear of ninis after leaving a message. So far, 15 NEET aspirants have committed suicide, it said in a statement. NEET helped private training centers earn money, he said, adding that the Center should cancel the test at least for Tamil Nadu.
When will the time come to pay tribute to the NEETs ?, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran asked in a tweet, demanding the immediate cancellation of the test.
Would we be making this the last death for ninis? Asked Makkal Needhi Maiyam founder Kamal Haasan in a tweet, saying it was our duty to give our children confidence and mental strength. He also said that the Center and the State should think of alternative ways for NEETs.
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