Two teenage students die by suicide at Maharashtra ashram school

PALGHAR: Two teenage boys studying in an ashram school allegedly committed suicide by hanging themselves from a tree at their educational facility in Wada taluka of Maharashtra's Palghar district, police said on Thursday. The incident occurred during the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday, they said, adding that no suicide note was found at the spot and the motive behind the extreme step was yet to be ascertained.

The victims were aged 14 and 15 years and were studying in Class 9 and 10, respectively, senior inspector Datta Kindre of the Wada police station and Jawhar's Deputy Superintendent of Police Sameer Maher told PTI. The incident came to light in the early hours of Thursday, following which the police were informed and the bodies were taken to a government hospital for post-mortem, they said.

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The victims used nylon ropes meant for drying clothes to hang themselves from a tree located on the premises of the government-run ashram school in Ambiste village, they said. Currently, exams are underway in the school, the police said. The students hailed from Mokhada taluka in the district, located around 80 km from their ashram school.

A case of accidental death was registered and investigation into the incident was underway. Ashram schools are a type of residential schools meant for students from tribal communities or other disadvantaged groups that provide free boarding, lodging and education.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.