Tragic Discovery Ends Search for Missing NEET Aspirant in Kota
The body of a 24-year-old NEET aspirant, who had been missing from his hostel in Kota for over a week, was recovered from a canal in Baran district on Monday afternoon. The discovery, made more than 50 kilometers from Kota, has sent shockwaves through the coaching hub community.
Identification and Background of the Deceased
The deceased has been identified as Lokesh Dangi, a 24-year-old resident of Khilchipur in Rajgarh district, Madhya Pradesh. According to police reports, Dangi had been preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in Kota for approximately five to six years. He was residing in a hostel under the jurisdiction of the Borekhda police station in Kota.
Timeline of Events Leading to the Discovery
The sequence of events began when Dangi reportedly left his hostel room on Wednesday last week and failed to return. The hostel warden promptly informed his parents, who traveled to Kota the following day. Upon arrival, they lodged a formal missing person report with the police and initiated their own search efforts.
In a significant development, on the same Wednesday, personal belongings including a mobile phone, a pink T-shirt, pants, a cap, and other items were found near a canal in Kaithun village, located about 18 kilometers from Kota. The parents confirmed these items belonged to their son, prompting the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to launch an intensive search operation in the canal area.
Recovery and Police Investigation
The breakthrough came on Monday afternoon when locals in the Anta police station area spotted a body entangled in tree branches within the canal. Police were immediately notified and responded to the scene. After recovery, the body was identified as Lokesh Dangi by his grieving parents.
Following a post-mortem examination, the police handed over the remains to the family members. In their report filed on Tuesday, the parents stated that their son had slipped into the canal while bathing and did not raise any allegations of foul play. However, the Nanta police have registered a case under section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) to thoroughly investigate and ascertain the exact circumstances surrounding the death.
Community Impact and Ongoing Concerns
This tragic incident highlights the immense pressure faced by medical aspirants in coaching hubs like Kota. The prolonged search and eventual recovery have drawn attention to student safety and mental health issues in such high-stress environments. Authorities continue to investigate, with the BNSS case aimed at ensuring all aspects of the death are examined meticulously.
