A third-year engineering student tragically ended his life by setting himself on fire within the premises of his college in Vijayawada, sending shockwaves through the campus community.
Tragic Incident Unfolds on Campus
The victim has been identified as Raghavendra Venkat, aged 21. He was a resident of Nandi Velugu village in the Tanali area of Guntur district and was pursuing a BTech degree at Vignan Deemed University. The incident occurred inside a bathroom located on the first floor of a college building.
According to available information, Raghavendra brought petrol from outside the campus. He entered the bathroom, poured the fuel over himself, and committed the act of self-immolation. College authorities and fellow students discovered him shortly after and acted swiftly.
Rushed Treatment and Fatal Outcome
The young student was immediately rushed to the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Guntur for emergency medical care. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, Raghavendra succumbed to his severe injuries while undergoing treatment. His death has left his family, friends, and the academic fraternity in profound grief.
Police Investigation Underway
Local law enforcement has launched a detailed probe to ascertain the precise reasons that drove the student to take such an extreme step. In their preliminary findings, investigators have ruled out academic pressure and love failure as potential motives behind this drastic action.
The police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) Act, which deals with culpable homicide not amounting to murder or causing death by negligence. The investigation is ongoing, with officials looking into all possible angles to understand the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
This incident has raised serious concerns about student mental health and well-being in educational institutions. It underscores the urgent need for robust counseling systems and a supportive environment where students feel comfortable seeking help during times of distress.
