Protests erupted in Coimbatore as a NEET aspirant committed suicide just 4 ahead of the re-exam. Members of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Wednesday staged a protest at the ESI Hospital premises in Coimbatore, demanding justice for Keerthana. A 19-year-old female who had already qualified NEET and wanted to re-attempt as she desired for a MBBS seat, committed suicide leaving behind a WhatsApp message. This is the third death reported in two days that has been linked to NEET related pressure amongst aspirants.
According to the police, deceased Anu Keerthana daughter of Senthil Prabhu President of the Coimbatore District TASMAC Employees Union was upset to distressed over having to reappear for the exam as she had attempted it twice earlier. An investigation into the murder revealed a distressed message that she sent to her paternal uncle and other relatives expressing fear about appearing for the examination again and concern over the financial burden her father had borne for her education. The message read- I had taken the NEET exam and was waiting to join medical college, but the exam was cancelled. Now, I am afraid to take the test again. My father has spent a lot of money on me; I do not know how I can ever look him in the face again.”
Reacting to her message relative rushed to home just to find her unconscious in her room after forcefully openign the door. She was rushed to a private hospital where she was admitted in the ICU. However, despite the treatment she succumbed to the poison she had consumed late in the afternoon. Her body was subsequently sent to the Government ESI Medical College Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
A case has been registered by the Kuniyamuthur police, and confiscated her mobile phone.