15-Year-Old Jumps From 20th Floor Just Because Her Mother Asked Her To Do This

Avantika Chaurasia, a class 10 student from a reputed private school at Whitefield Bengaluru took a drastic step that left an everlasting scar on her parent’s heart and mind. The 15-year-old ended her life by jumping from the 20th floor of her building after her mother advised her to stop using her cell phone and asked her to focus on her studies. 

The incident took place on Wednesday, February 12 while Avantika was at home due to school being closed for study leave ahead of the preparatory exams scheduled for March 15.. Around 11:30 am, her mother, Namrata, saw her using her mobile phone instead of studying. 

She asked her to focus on her studies instead. This made Avantika upset and she allegedly walked towards the balcony and jumped from the 20th floor without a second thought. 

Avantika, who sustained severe head injuries,  was rushed to the hospital but she was declared dead on the spot. Her father Lakshmikant Chaurasia, a software engineer, and her mother, who is a homemaker, have not given any official statement yet.

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Reason of Teen Suicide while in Academic & Relationship Problems

After the initial investigation, the police investigator revealed "Prima facie it was found that the deceased was distressed over this and even as her mother was at home, she went outside of her house on the 20th floor towards the balcony and jumped down, dying instantly,” 

The increasing cases of suicide among students have become a serious concern in India. According to the World Health Organization, “Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds.” Last week a class 9 student from Navi Mumbai ended his life after jumping from the school canteen, located on the 5th Floor. Read here.

Research conducted by BMC Psychiatry highlights the increased vulnerability of Indian adolescents to mental health issues and suicidal tendencies. The results show that “The most commonly reported risk factors were mental health problems (54.28%), negative or traumatic familiar issues (34.28%), academic stress (22.85%), social/lifestyle factors (20%), violence (22.85%), economic distresses (8.75%), relationship factor (8.75%).”

Addressing the problem requires a holistic and multifaceted approach, and the first step is raising awareness. What measures do you think should be taken in this regard?