Tragic Turn: District Topper Dies by Suicide Hours Before Class 12 Pre-Board Exam — What Led to This Heartbreaking Loss?

Kanpur | December 3, 2025 A shocking tragedy has left the residents of Kanpur reeling after a 17-year-old student, who had topped his district in the 2023 Class 10 board examinations, allegedly died by suicide just hours before his Class 12 physics pre-board exam. Raunak Pathak, a resident of Saket Nagar and a student of Brij Kishori Devi Memorial Inter College, had been celebrated for his academic excellence, securing 97.4 percent in his Class 10 exams. His performance had even earned him a full fee waiver at his coaching institute, highlighting his dedication and potential. According to Raunak’s father, Alok Pathak, who works at a private firm, Raunak left home around 6:30 am on Monday morning but did not return. When repeated calls went unanswered, his father and sister Mini began searching for him. Hours later, Raunak’s motorcycle was found near the Juhi railway yard, where his body was tragically discovered beside the tracks. The discovery sent shockwaves through the family and the local community. “I never imagined my only son would take such an extreme step. He was so bright and full of potential,” said a devastated Alok Pathak, expressing his disbelief and grief. The sudden loss of a young life that held so much promise has left the community in mourning. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors described Raunak as diligent, intelligent, and focused on his studies, making the news all the more heartbreaking. Government Railway Police (GRP) inspector Om Narayan Singh confirmed that Raunak’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and a formal investigation is underway. Police are looking into all possible reasons behind the incident, examining his mobile phone, and speaking to friends and acquaintances to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy. While the motive behind Raunak’s suicide remains unclear, the incident has reignited concerns about student mental health and the pressures faced by young learners, especially those who consistently perform at high academic levels. Friends and teachers highlighted that even top-performing students can struggle silently with stress, anxiety, or personal challenges that may not be visible to others. Raunak’s death is a grim reminder of the importance of emotional and mental well-being alongside academic success. Authorities, school officials, and families are now emphasizing the need for supportive environments where students can seek help without fear or hesitation. The investigation into Raunak’s death continues, as the community seeks answers and mourns the loss of a young life full of promise, lost far too soon. Tragic Turn: District Topper Dies by Suicide Hours Before Class 12 Pre-Board Exam — What Led to This Heartbreaking Loss? Kanpur is in shock after 17-year-old Raunak Pathak, a bright student and district topper in his Class 10 exams, allegedly died by suicide just hours before his Class 12 physics pre-board exam. Raunak, a resident of Saket Nagar and student at Brij Kishori Devi Memorial Inter College, had scored an impressive 97.4 percent in Class 10, earning a full fee waiver at his coaching institute. His academic achievements made his sudden death even more heartbreaking. Raunak’s father, Alok Pathak, shared that his son left home around 6:30 am on Monday but didn’t return. When repeated calls went unanswered, his father and sister Mini began searching for him. Hours later, Raunak’s motorcycle was found near the Juhi railway yard, and his body was discovered beside the tracks. The news left the family and local community devastated. “I never imagined my only son would take such an extreme step. He was so bright and full of potential,” said a grief-stricken Alok Pathak. The Government Railway Police (GRP) confirmed that Raunak’s body has been sent for a post-mortem, and an investigation is underway. Authorities are reviewing his phone and speaking to friends to understand the circumstances that led to this tragedy. While the exact reason behind the suicide is not yet known, the incident has highlighted the immense pressures students face today. Friends, teachers, and neighbors described Raunak as hardworking, focused, and disciplined. The tragic incident serves as a reminder that even top-performing students can struggle silently with mental health challenges. Experts say it’s important for families and schools to create supportive environments, where students feel comfortable sharing stress and seeking help. Raunak’s untimely death has left a deep void in the community, reminding everyone that academic success should always go hand-in-hand with emotional well-being.