Family recounts a grim picture: Ananya had been suffering from jaundice for some time, which sapped her energy and focus. After dinner on Thursday, she locked her room door and took the fatal step. Her uncle Guddu Pandey informed police, who rushed to the scene, took custody of the body, and dispatched it for autopsy.

Ananya’s father, Satish Kumar Pandey, working as a signal supervisor, had sensed her reluctance. ‘If your heart isn’t in it, skip the exam this time,’ he told her, hoping she’d recover and attempt later. Yet, the weight of chronic sickness and academic expectations proved overwhelming. She repeatedly voiced her disinterest in studies due to poor health.

The incident has left the family in shock, prompting questions about student mental health amid Bihar’s high-stakes board season. Police are probing deeper, but no foul play is suspected. This heartbreaking story serves as a stark reminder for better support systems for ailing students navigating exam pressures.

Communities across the state are reflecting on how to prevent such losses, emphasizing open dialogues on health and stress management.