Tragic Suicide of CNLU LLM Student in Patna Hostel
A 23-year-old final-year LLM student at Chanakya National Law University (CNLU) in Patna died by suicide in his hostel room on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the campus community. The student has been identified as Mayank Raj, son of Rajesh Kumar, originally from Rohini Colony under Khalari police station in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
Discovery and Immediate Response
The incident came to light in the afternoon when a staff member of the Rajendra Prasad Boys’ Hostel found Mayank hanging from the window of his room. Authorities were immediately informed, leading to a swift response from the university administration. CNLU registrar S P Singh stated that upon receiving the distressing news, the university team, accompanied by the resident doctor and medical staff, rushed the student to Medanta Hospital in Kankarbagh. Unfortunately, doctors at the hospital declared him dead upon arrival.
Police Investigation and Suicide Note
Upon receiving information, a police team from Jakkanpur police station, along with a forensic science laboratory (FSL) team, secured the hostel area. During a thorough search of the room, investigators recovered several items, including a suicide note, an iPhone, an iPad, an ID card, and other personal documents. The suicide note reportedly mentioned emotional distress linked to a relationship with his girlfriend, which police believe may have been a key factor triggering the tragic incident. The contents of the letter were shared with Mayank’s family, who arrived in Patna after being notified.
Rituraj Kumar Singh, SHO of Jakkanpur police station, provided details on the ongoing probe. "A suicide note was recovered in which the victim mentioned a girl he loved. A case of unnatural death has been registered. We are probing all angles, including personal reasons indicated in the note, forensic evidence from the spot, and any other possible factors," he said.
Family Doubts and University Condolences
Mayank’s mother, Madhu, recorded her statement with the police and expressed doubts about the circumstances surrounding her son’s death, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. In response to the tragedy, the university held a condolence meeting chaired by vice-chancellor Faizan Mustafa. Teachers, staff, and students gathered to offer prayers and pay tribute to the departed soul.
Expressing profound grief over the loss of a bright and promising student, VC Mustafa made a heartfelt appeal to the student body. He urged all students to seek support from faculty members, parents, peers, hostel staff, friends, or the university administration during times of distress or emotional difficulty, and strongly advised against taking extreme or life-threatening steps.
Impact on Academic Schedule
The suicide occurred amid ongoing mid-semester examinations at CNLU. In light of the incident, the university adjusted the exam schedule to accommodate the somber mood. The mid-semester exam scheduled for February 25 for fourth and fifth-year students was shifted to February 27 and 28, respectively. Similarly, the exam for first, second, and third-year students on February 25 was rescheduled to March 9.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for mental health awareness and support systems within educational institutions, as communities grapple with the aftermath of such devastating losses.
