A 20-year-old woman, a NEET aspirant, allegedly died by suicide at her rented accommodation in Rajasthan’s Kotra on Tuesday night, the police said. According to police, they are yet to ascertain the exact reason behind the woman’s extreme step, and a probe into the incident is underway.

The woman who took the drastic step has been identified as Khushbu Patel, who had been residing in the city along with her younger sister and had been preparing for the pan-India medical entrance examination since 2023. 

Post-incident, her kin travelled to the city from their native town in Madhya Pradesh. 

Sister finds woman unresponsive

As per a report by news agency PTI, Khushbu was preparing for NEET UG for the second time and was staying at a rented apartment in Landmark City, which falls within the jurisdiction of the Kunhadi Police Station.

Her younger sister, who too was preparing for competitive exams in Kota, returned from her coaching institute on Tuesday night, only to find the apartment door locked from inside. When she received no response after knocking on the door numerous times, she sought help from friends, security guards and neighbours. 

The companions helped the girl break the door open, following which Khushbu was found inside. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead upon arrival. 

The Kunhadi police station personnel rushed to the scene upon receipt of information of the incident and mounted a probe. Her body was sent for an autopsy and was later handed over to her family after the procedure. 

No suicide note found: Cops

According to police, they did not find any suicide note from the spot. Officials said they are delving into the circumstances surrounding Khushbu’s death and have still not learnt the motive behind the alleged suicide. 

As per PTI, Khusbu had been distressed after she secured 450 marks in her first attempt at the NEET UG exam. However, police have not confirmed whether her academic performance pushed her to the brink of suicide, underlining that the exact reason is still under probe. 

On the basis of a complaint lodged by Khushbu’s grandfather, Deshraj Patel, the police registered an FIR. 

Ceiling fan raises safety concerns

Police officials aware of the development told PTI that the ceiling fan in Khushbu’s apartment did not possess an anti-hanging device. Notably, such safety mechanisms have been mandated for hostel rooms under guidelines issued by the Kota Hostel Association.