Boy cuts wrist before board exam in MP

A Class 12 student in MP’s Betul district allegedly cut his wrist before he appeared for the geography board exam on Monday, in what may be yet another attempt at suicide by a student due to study-related stress.

A Class 12 student in MP’s Betul district allegedly cut his wrist before he appeared for the geography board exam on Monday, in what may be yet another attempt at suicide by a student due to study-related stress.

Around 21 students in Madhya Pradesh have taken their lives because of study-related stress since January.(Sakib Ali/ HT file photo)

Around 21 students in the state have taken their lives because of similar reasons since January.

The 17-year-old student, Manish Batke, came to the examination centre with a handkerchief tied to his left wrist and the invigilator spotted blood oozing from under it.

Batke was promptly rushed to the community health centre. He is now reportedly out of danger.

Police said their investigations revealed Batke cut his wrist with an instrument from his geometry box because he was afraid he would fail in the exam.

“We’re investigating the matter, but the teenager and his family are not speaking much. We’ll record their statements on Tuesday again,” assistant sub inspector at Ghodadongri police outpost K Dhurwe said.

Over the years, numerous young lives have been cut short under pressure to perform in exams. Student suicides in the state increased by more than 240% between 2005 and 2014.