CHENNAI: A 19-year-old college student died by suicide at his residence in Nesapakkam on Tuesday, allegedly distressed after he lost money in online loan fraud.
S Subash (19) of Nesapakkam was a second year B Com student at a private college in Pallavaram. His father works as a plumber, police said.
Police said Subash recently planned to purchase a car on instalment, and searched online for loan options through a mobile application. He came across an advertisement offering a loan of Rs 85,000 in exchange for an advance payment of Rs 35,000. After clicking the link, he was contacted by a man who instructed him to transfer the amount first to process the loan.
Believing the offer to be genuine, Subash transferred the money in instalments. When he attempted to contact the person later, the phone remained unanswered. He then realised that he had been cheated and informed his parents about it.
Distressed over this, Subash died by suicide in his home. MGR Nagar police recovered the body and sent it to a government hospital for post-mortem examination.
Advisory: Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. In case you feel distressed by the content or know someone in distress, call --- Sneha, Chennai: 91-44-2464 0050, 91-44-2464 0060; Maithri, Cochin: +91 239 6272; Sumaitri, New Delhi: 2338 9090; Aasra, Mumbai: 9820466726; Fortis MentalHealth: 8376804102.