What Led to the Tragic Suicide of a Med Student in Karnataka?
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Synopsis
A heartbreaking incident in Belagavi, Karnataka, brings attention to the mental health struggles faced by medical students. Priya Karthik, a 27-year-old medical aspirant, took her own life, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support in educational institutions. The case raises critical questions about student welfare and mental health awareness.
Key Takeaways
- Mental health awareness is critical in educational institutions.
- Support systems for students must be strengthened.
- Tragic incidents highlight the need for open discussions about mental wellness.
- Students should have access to counseling services and mental health resources.
- Systemic changes are essential to promote student well-being.
Belagavi (Karnataka), Aug 19 (NationPress) A tragic event involving a medical student taking her own life by ingesting medications has emerged in Belagavi district of Karnataka. The individual has been named as Priya Karthik, a 27-year-old student enrolled at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences (BIMS).
Initial investigations by the police reveal that she took her life after consuming medication in the hostel of the institute.
Originally from Bengaluru, Priya was engaged in patient examinations at the district hospital until Monday evening, shortly before her tragic decision that night. Reports indicate she had previously attempted suicide a few days prior.
BIMS Director Ashok Shetty visited the scene and noted that Priya had been struggling with a mental health issue and was battling depression. The police have stated that the definitive cause of death will be established following the postmortem report.
Priya was in the process of completing her PG, specializing in psychiatry at BIMS.
A case has been filed at the APMC Police station. Further details regarding this incident are awaited.
Recall that in June 2025, another medical student was discovered deceased in her hostel room in Shivamogga. The victim was identified as Vishnu Priya, a 22-year-old attending Subbaiah Medical College. She was nearing the completion of her internship as part of her undergraduate studies and also hailed from Bengaluru.
On July 22, 2025, a first-year MBBS student from the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) took his life at the students’ hostel in Mandya. The deceased, Bharat Yettinamani, from Bandi in Koppal district, died by hanging after conversing with friends until midnight.
A recent report from November 2023 details an MBBS student who committed suicide by jumping from the hostel building in Mangaluru city within the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka.
The individual was identified as Prakruthi Shetty, a 20-year-old first-year MBBS student. Preliminary investigations suggest that Prakruthi, who was struggling with her weight, jumped from the sixth floor of the AJ Medical College hostel.
Point of View
I believe it is crucial to shed light on the mental health crisis affecting students, particularly in high-pressure environments like medical schools. The loss of Priya Karthik is a stark reminder of the importance of providing adequate mental health resources and fostering open conversations around mental well-being. We must advocate for systemic changes to support our students effectively.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the circumstances surrounding Priya Karthik's death?
Priya Karthik, a 27-year-old medical student from Belagavi, Karnataka, tragically ended her life by consuming medication in her hostel. She had reportedly been struggling with mental health issues.
What actions are being taken following this incident?
A case has been registered at the APMC Police station, and further details are awaited as investigations continue.
How prevalent are mental health issues among medical students?
Mental health challenges are increasingly common among medical students due to the high-pressure nature of their studies, making it crucial to address these issues proactively.
What support systems are in place for medical students?
Many institutions are beginning to implement mental health resources, including counseling services and wellness programs, but there is still much work to be done.
What was Priya Karthik studying?
Priya was pursuing her postgraduate studies, specializing in psychiatry at the Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences.
