Mangaluru: A 14-year-old girl died by suicide on Sunday near Bajilakere in the city after jumping from the terrace of a residential apartment building. The incident has left residents shocked and has once again raised concerns about adolescent mental health and the need for family support systems.
The deceased has been identified as Khushi, originally from Banaras, Uttar Pradesh. She had been living in Mangaluru with her family for the past few years.
Sequence of events
According to residents, Khushi visited a nearby temple on the afternoon of September 7. Later, she went to the terrace of her apartment building along with her sister and a friend. While the three were engaged in conversation, Khushi suddenly leapt from the terrace in front of them.
Alarmed neighbours rushed her to a private hospital, but despite efforts, doctors could not save her. She succumbed to her injuries later in the day.
The incident occurred near the Golden Chamber building, throwing the local community into mourning.
Social media post before death
Police sources revealed that Khushi had shared a status update on social media shortly before taking the extreme step. The post read: “When my own family doesn’t understand me, how can I expect others to?”
Investigators believe the message reflects her feelings of emotional distress and possible conflicts within her family.
Police investigation
Preliminary inquiry by Bunder Police suggests that Khushi was a bright student, well-liked by her peers, and had consistently performed well academically. She was also fond of making reels and sharing them on social media platforms.
However, sources indicate that she had been under mental stress in recent months. Lack of adequate emotional support and possible struggles with depression are being examined as contributing factors.
Police have registered a case and are continuing further investigation. Officials are also likely to speak with family members, friends, and teachers to better understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Shock in the community
The tragic death has deeply affected residents of Bajilakere, many of whom expressed disbelief that a young girl with a promising future could be driven to such an act. Local leaders and neighbours urged families to pay greater attention to the emotional well-being of children, especially teenagers, who often face pressure from academics, social expectations, and personal struggles.
A reminder on mental health
Mental health professionals emphasise that incidents like this highlight the urgent need to create open channels of communication between parents and children. Adolescents often struggle silently with feelings of isolation or misunderstanding, and timely intervention can prevent tragedies.
They recommend that families and schools encourage conversations about stress, depression, and social media pressures while ensuring access to professional counselling when needed.
Conclusion
The loss of a young life has once again underscored the importance of mental health awareness and family support. As investigations continue, Khushi’s death serves as a painful reminder that emotional struggles among teenagers must never be ignored.
