CHENNAI: A 19-year-old student died by suicide at his home in Selaiyur, near Tambaram, after being unable to pursue higher education despite passing his Class 12 board exams.
The deceased has been identified as Kamalesh, son of Dhanasekhar, a daily wage worker, and Kamatchi. The family resides on Rajiv Gandhi Street in Selaiyur.
Kamalesh had been staying with relatives in Virudhachalam to complete Class 12. When the results were announced on May 8, he passed but scored 380 marks, lower than desired.
According to the police, Kamalesh insisted on joining a college for further studies. His parents made extensive efforts to find a seat, but due to his low marks, most colleges refused admission. While a few colleges were willing to admit him, they required additional fees that his daily-wage parents could not afford.
Distraught over the possibility of being unable to study further, Kamalesh grew increasingly distressed. On Sunday evening, he went into a room at his home and did not come out for a long time. When his mother Kamatchi grew suspicious, she broke open the door with the help of neighbours, and found Kamalesh dead.
Based on information, the Selaiyur police have recovered the body and sent it to the Tambaram District Government Hospital for autopsy. An investigation is under way.