Two suicides in four days at Andhra College; What went wrong?

What drives young students to such despair? As two shocking incidents unfold within days, questions rise over campus mental health and emotional support systems.

Chittoor: In a deeply distressing turn of events, two students from the Sreenivasa Institute of Technology and Management Studies (SITAMS) in Chittoor district attempted suicide within a span of four days, leaving one dead and another battling for her life.

The first tragedy unfolded when 20-year-old Rudra Murthy, a second-year engineering student, jumped from the third floor of the college building on Monday afternoon. CCTV footage captured him walking on the ledge moments before taking the fatal plunge. He was rushed to a hospital in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

Just days earlier, another student from the same institute, Nandini Reddy, pursuing her third year in Electronics and Communication Engineering, had also jumped from the third floor of the academic block. She sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition in a Bengaluru hospital.

A Rejected Love Proposal

According to the police, Rudra was reportedly distraught after a classmate declined his proposal. The girl had told him she wished to focus on her education and future before making any personal commitments. Heartbroken, Rudra reportedly asked his friends to look after her before jumping off the building.

Tensions flared further when a video surfaced showing a relative of Rudra being pushed by a police officer while attempting to enter the college premises. The family had gathered there demanding justice and an inquiry into the incident. The officer involved claimed the woman was inciting students to storm the college campus, though authorities later admitted the situation could have been handled with more sensitivity.

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Academic Pressure On Students

The earlier incident involving Nandini Reddy has drawn equal concern. She had reportedly been reprimanded for not completing her lab records and was denied permission to attend an important examination. Officials said she was already under health-related stress, and the academic pressure may have intensified her distress.

Her family has alleged negligence on part of the college, claiming that while the management initially promised to bear her medical expenses, they later withdrew communication. As Nandini continues to fight for her life, the incident has reignited debates about mental health care and the lack of emotional support for students in academic institutions.

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Why Suicide Is Never The Answer

Mental health experts continually stress that suicide is not a solution to pain or rejection. Every challenge — whether emotional, academic, or personal — has ways to be resolved with help and time. Ending one’s life not only ends potential but leaves behind unbearable trauma for families and friends. It is important for young people to remember that failure, heartbreak, or stress do not define their worth. Seeking help, opening up to friends, or approaching counselors can save lives.

What Colleges Must Do To Prevent Such Tragedies

Educational institutions must establish proactive mental health frameworks. Regular counseling sessions, open-door communication with faculty, and peer support networks are essential to identify early warning signs among students. Colleges must also ensure a compassionate approach from administrators and teachers while handling disciplinary or academic issues. Mental health awareness workshops and access to professional therapists should be made mandatory across campuses.