'Sorry, Papa': Kanpur Gold Medallist Dies by Suicide After Failing To Secure Government Job
Anand Kumar, a 23-year-old B.Tech gold medallist from Kanpur, died by suicide after struggling to secure a government job. Despite academic excellence, he reportedly faced severe stress after nearly 50 failed attempts at various recruitment exams. A note apologising to his father was recovered, and police are currently investigating the circumstances of his death.
A 23-year-old engineering graduate and gold medallist allegedly died by suicide at his home in the Gujaini area of Govind Nagar, Kanpur, police said on Sunday, July 19. The incident has brought to light the intense pressure faced by many youths in their pursuit of government employment. The victim, identified as Anand Kumar, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his room by police on Friday after domestic help alerted neighbours when he did not respond to repeated knocks. At the time of the incident, his family was travelling to Bihar to finalise his elder brother’s marriage.
Academic Excellence and Career Struggles
Anand had graduated with a B Tech degree in Electrical Engineering from a private engineering college, PSIT, in 2024. Known for his academic brilliance, he secured the third rank in Uttar Pradesh and was awarded a gold medal by Governor Anandiben Patel during a convocation ceremony on August 13, 2024. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 19-Year-Old Woman Dies After Attempting Self-Immolation With Partner in Firozabad; Case Registered Under BNS.
Following his graduation, Anand completed a one-year apprenticeship with Power Grid. Despite his strong academic record, he reportedly struggled to secure a government position, having appeared for numerous recruitment examinations conducted by the Railways, Staff Selection Commission (SSC), banks, and the education department. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: Father Stabs 19-Year-Old Daughter to Death Inside Police Station in Banda, Arrested.
Police Investigation and Suicide Note
Police recovered a handwritten, five-line suicide note from the room. According to investigators, the note expressed deep remorse over his professional struggles. "Sorry, papa, I tried nearly 50 times to get a government job, but I couldn't succeed. Please forgive me," the note read. Govind Nagar Station House Officer Ashok Kumar Dubey confirmed that a case has been registered and the investigation is ongoing. "Preliminary investigation suggests he was under stress over not being able to secure a government job. However, all aspects of the case are being examined," Dubey stated.
Anand’s father, Rajkumar, a retired employee, noted that his son had been under severe stress for several months due to these repeated professional setbacks. The body was sent for a post-mortem examination, and the last rites were performed at Bhairav Ghat on Saturday evening.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2026 06:31 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
