“Sorry, forgive me”: NEET aspirant dies by suicide in Jodhpur hostel

A 19-year-old NEET aspirant, Rohit Bhati, was found dead in his hostel room in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in what appears to be a case of suicide. A handwritten note found at the scene read, "Sorry, forgive me Chinnu," but it remains unclear whom he was addressing. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, including examining his call records and personal interactions.

Bhati, originally from Ras in Beawar, had been residing at the hostel of ‘Diksha Classes’ in Chaupasni Housing Board, Sector-17, for the past year while preparing for the highly competitive medical entrance exam. His body was discovered by the hostel owner, who immediately alerted authorities. The police arrived at the scene and later transferred his body to AIIMS Jodhpur for post-mortem examination. His grieving family, including his father, Mohanlal Mali, rushed to Jodhpur upon receiving the devastating news.

Law enforcement officials suspect that pressure related to academic performance could be a contributing factor in the case. They are currently reviewing Bhati's call logs and recent communications to determine any potential triggers for his decision. This tragedy comes amid growing concerns over student suicides linked to the intense pressure of competitive exams, particularly in Rajasthan, which houses major coaching hubs.

The incident occurred just a day before the Rajasthan Assembly discussed the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control & Regulation) Bill, 2025, a legislative measure aimed at addressing student mental health issues and regulating coaching institutions. The bill, first introduced on March 19, seeks to implement guidelines to curb the rising suicide rates among students enrolled in coaching centres. Rajasthan has been at the epicenter of such crises, with Kota being one of the most affected cities.

A key point of contention in the new bill is the state government’s decision to lift the minimum age requirement of 16 years for students enrolling in coaching institutes. The opposition Congress has criticized this move, arguing that it places excessive academic stress on younger students. Meanwhile, the bill has increased penalties for coaching centres violating regulations, though it has also made student aptitude tests voluntary rather than mandatory.

Bhati’s suicide is yet another grim reminder of the mounting academic pressure on students and the urgent need for better mental health support. As authorities continue their probe, the case has reignited the debate on whether more stringent policies and student welfare measures should be implemented to prevent further tragedies.