In a heart-wrenching incident, a young law student tragically died after jumping before an oncoming metro train in western Bengaluru on Thursday, suspected to be a case of suicide, confirmed officials from the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the police.
Retrieval Efforts and Service Disruption
Authorities engaged in a painstaking effort lasting nearly two hours to retrieve the body, which had been severed from the head due to the impact. Train services along a section of the Purple Line were disrupted between 2:10 pm and 4:10 pm. This marks the first death on the Bengaluru metro tracks in 12 years, with the previous fatality reported in 2012.
Victim’s Identity and Background
The deceased, identified as 19-year-old Dhruv Jatin Thakkar, hailed from Mumbai and was a first-year student of the BA LLB programme at the prestigious National Law School of India University (NLSIU). Described by his peers and faculty as warm, compassionate, and diligent, Thakkar’s untimely demise has deeply shaken the institution.
Circumstances of the Incident
Thakkar, clad in a yellow t-shirt and blue jeans, leapt onto the tracks as a Whitefield-bound train arrived at platform number 1 of the Attiguppe metro station around 2:10 pm. Despite efforts by the train’s loco pilot to apply emergency brakes, Thakkar was fatally injured by two front coaches of the train.
Ongoing Investigation and Response
Following the incident, police questioned several NLSIU students and BMRCL staff members. While foul play is not suspected, authorities have initiated investigations into the matter as an unnatural death. BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao expressed deep grief over the incident and pledged to enhance security measures at metro platforms.
Institutional Response and Support
NLSIU has suspended all classes for the remainder of the week and will convene a condolence meeting on Friday morning. Vice-Chancellor Sudhir Krishnaswamy extended condolences to the bereaved family and the university community, emphasizing the need for collective support during this difficult time.
As investigations continue, the tragic incident underscores the importance of mental health awareness and support mechanisms within academic institutions and society at large.
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