Vizag’s North Zone Police Probing Medical Student's Suicide
According to the initial investigation and video footage, Praneeth had hidden chits and when caught sought a pardon from the invigilator. But the invigilator refused, stating it is against the rules. After that, Praneeth jumped from the fourth floor of the building
Visakhapatnam: North Zone police of Visakhapatnam have launched an investigation into the suicide by 23-year-old Sriram Datta Praneeth, a final-year MBBS student. It is alleged he had been caught cheating during the gynaecology examination being held at a private medical college in Sangivalasa, about 25 kilometres from the city.
ACP North Zone S. Appalaraju told this correspondent that they have registered a case, conducted a post-mortem on the student’s body and handed it over to the parents.
According to the initial investigation and video footage, Praneeth had hidden chits and when caught sought a pardon from the invigilator. But the invigilator refused, stating it is against the rules. After that, Praneeth jumped from the fourth floor of the building.
Appalaraju said their investigation is continuing and they have not yet determined the exact cause of death.
Bheemli MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao visited the campus to investigate. Speaking to media representatives, he said, “According to students’ accounts, Praneeth’s OMR sheet had been allegedly taken by the invigilator. Despite his pleas, the invigilator refused to return it. Following the examination, the student reportedly jumped from the building.”
The MLA said if the investigation reveals any form of harassment by the college management, they will ensure strict action against those responsible.
According to college authorities, deputy chief superintendent Sridhar Reddy discovered Praneeth hiding unauthorised chits during the exam. He then confiscated both the answer sheet and the materials. Reports indicate that despite Praneeth's pleas to the official, he was prohibited from continuing the examination.
Authorities said the chief superintendent did not escalate the matter to the medical university, considering the student's future prospects. However, distraught by the situation, Praneeth jumped from the building despite security guards' attempts to intervene.