A promising 17-year-old student from Kanpur, who had secured the top position in his district during the 2023 Class 10 board examinations, tragically died by suicide on Monday. The incident occurred just hours before he was scheduled to appear for his Class 12 physics pre-board examination.
A Bright Future Cut Short
Raunak Pathak, a resident of Saket Nagar and a student at Brij Kishori Devi Memorial Inter College, was found deceased near the railway tracks at the Juhi railway yard. His academic prowess was exceptional, having scored 97.4 percent marks in his Class 10 boards. This outstanding achievement had even earned him a complete fee waiver at his coaching institute, highlighting his potential.
The Fateful Morning and Search
According to police details, Raunak left his home around 6:30 am on Monday and did not return. His father, Alok Pathak, who works for a private firm, and his sister Mini grew concerned when their repeated calls to him went unanswered. They began a frantic search which led them to the Juhi railway yard. There, they discovered his motorcycle and later, his body beside the railway tracks.
"I never imagined my only son would take such an extreme step. He was so bright," said a devastated Alok Pathak, expressing the family's profound grief and shock.
Police Investigation Underway
Government Railway Police (GRP) inspector Om Narayan Singh confirmed that the body has been sent for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. An investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragedy is actively ongoing.
"The reason behind the suicide is unclear. We are examining his mobile phone and speaking to his friends to gather more information," Inspector Singh added. The local community in the neighborhood has been deeply shaken by the loss of such a bright young student.
The incident has once again brought the intense pressure associated with board examinations and academic performance in India into sharp focus, raising serious questions about student mental health and support systems.
