AHMEDABAD: A 17-year-old NEET aspirant died by suicide after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of a residential apartment building in Ahmedabad's New Ranip area in the early hours of Wednesday, three days before the nationwide NEET-UG retest scheduled for June 21.
The incident occurred at around 2.30 am in a 14-storey residential complex where the student lived with his mother and younger brother, police said.
According to the preliminary investigation, the teenager allegedly cut through the protective safety net installed on the bedroom balcony before jumping. The building's security guard noticed the teenager lying in the compound below and immediately alerted residents and family members, triggering panic within the housing society.
An ambulance was rushed to the spot, but despite initial signs of breathing after the fall, the student succumbed to his injuries before medical assistance could save him.
Police officials said the teenager suffered fatal injuries in the fall. His spectacles were found near the body, while forensic and crime scene teams documented evidence from both the apartment and the ground below. The body was subsequently shifted to Civil Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
As investigators began piecing together the circumstances leading to the death, it emerged that the teenager was a dedicated NEET-UG aspirant and had scored 85% in the Class 12 examinations in 2025.
Police sources said he had appeared for the NEET-UG examination in 2025 and secured encouraging results. Despite this, he had been preparing for another attempt to improve his score and strengthen his chances of securing admission to a medical college.
Investigators also found that the student had filled out admission forms for pharmacy courses as an alternative career option. However, no immediate reason behind the alleged suicide has emerged so far.
ACP DV Rana told local media that the deceased lived with his mother and 13-year-old brother, while his father, a criminal lawyer based in Surat, had been living separately from the family for the past three years.
Police also found that the student attended a private coaching institute where mobile phones were reportedly restricted to minimise distractions from social media. During the investigation, officers seized a laptop from the residence and are examining its contents for possible clues.
Meanwhile, Sabarmati police have registered a case of accidental death and launched a detailed investigation.
Officers are questioning family members, friends and coaching associates while scrutinising electronic devices and other evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The exact cause behind the tragedy remains unclear, and police said all aspects are being examined before any conclusions are drawn.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or Sneha Foundation - 04424640050 or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)