Nagpur: A drastic change in the social environment after moving from Mumbai to Nagpur and a lack of communication with her family allegedly led 17-year-old Prajakta Shende, a Class XII Arts student at Centre Point School, to develop a fascination with the afterlife. Tragically, she died by suicide on January 27 by slitting her throat with an imported Alaskan Ulu knife from Russia.
The meticulously planned act was carried out in front of a mirror, with Prajakta donning a white dress. She inflicted multiple cuts on her hands before the fatal wound to her throat. Her father, Sachin Shende, regional director of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in Nagpur, discovered the incident when he noticed blood flowing out of her bedroom early that morning and immediately informed the police.
A Struggle to Adjust to Nagpur Life:
The Shende family, after living in Mumbai for over a decade, relocated to Nagpur in July 2023. The sudden cultural shift reportedly left Prajakta struggling to adapt to Nagpur’s slower pace and lack of social hangout spots, compared to the vibrant life she was accustomed to in South Mumbai (SoBo). She also faced difficulties making friends and adjusting to the new environment.
Being the only child in a household of high achievers, Prajakta often felt isolated. Reports indicate she had made two previous suicide attempts. Her fascination with topics such as metaphysics, life after death, Nazi ideologies, and Russian communist philosophies further fueled her emotional struggles.
Suicide Note with Unconventional Wishes:
In a four-page suicide note written in complex English, Prajakta expressed her desire to donate 80% of her body to animal welfare, environmental research, and scientific causes, with the remaining parts donated to those in need. She requested for her body to be converted into a biodegradable pod and buried in European forests or the Appalachian Mountains, or even tossed into the Arabian Sea.
She wrote that her act, though perceived as insane by others, was a rational decision from her perspective, as she believed she would experience happiness after death and had no fear of dying.
Expert Opinions on Mental Health and Parental Communication:
Mental health experts highlighted the importance of family bonding and spiritual teachings to prevent such tragedies. “Parents should make it mandatory to have meals together to stay aware of their children’s emotional state. Spiritual teachings and family outings can deter negative tendencies among teenagers,” experts suggested.
Senior police personnel also emphasized the need for parents to bridge communication gaps. “Many parents are unaware of their children’s online activities. Due to busy schedules and poor communication, children often seek solace on social media instead of from family members. Parents must bridge this gap and monitor their children’s activities,” a senior police officer advised.
