An 18-year-old student from Maharashtra’s Hingoli died by suicide a few days after appearing for the NEET-UG re-test, police said on Thursday. Authorities are now investigating whether there is a connection between the incident and the national-level medical entrance exam.The student, identified as Sushil Dhage, lived in the Ashtavinayak Nagar area of Hingoli town. According to the police, he jumped into a well around 10.30 am on Wednesday.Before taking the extreme step, Sushil recorded a 33-second video message on his cellphone for his mother. Quoting the message, a police officer said that Sushil said, “I want to commit suicide, and you (mother) should not take the tension. In my next life, I want to be born as your son. Be with Sumedh. I am sorry.”During the initial investigation, Sushil’s family told the police that he had found the NEET re-exam paper difficult. Based on the information provided by the family, the police are investigating whether the exam played a role in the incident.An official from the Hingoli City police station told PTI, “The family’s complaint is about the NEET re-examination. We are investigating the case and looking into whether there is any connection between the exam and the incident.” Police have registered a report of accidental death and said the investigation is on.The NEET-UG re-test was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on June 21 after the previous exam held on May 3 was canceled amid an ongoing probe into an alleged question paper leak. More than 22 lakh students were expected to appear for the re-examination.
