A tragic incident near Chikkabanavara railway station in Bengaluru on Sunday evening has sent shockwaves across Karnataka and Kerala, after two young nursing students were struck and killed by a Vande Bharat Express train. Initial reports described it as a horrific accident caused while crossing the tracks, but investigators have since revealed that the case was one of suicide. Both victims were identified as students from Kerala pursuing their B.Sc Nursing at Sapthagiri Nursing College.

Police officials said the deceased were a 21-year-old male and a 19-year-old female, both residents of Pathanamthitta district in Kerala. Upon receiving information, a team from Chikkabanavara Police Station rushed to the spot to recover the bodies and initiate an inquiry. “The bodies have been shifted for post-mortem, and a case has been registered. The parents of both students have been informed,” a senior police officer stated.

Initially, eyewitnesses claimed that the two students were attempting to cross the tracks when the high-speed Vande Bharat Express approached, leaving them no time to react. Several local residents reported that the train was moving at considerable speed and that the students seemed unaware of the danger. However, subsequent verification of CCTV footage from the train revealed a very different picture.

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According to Karnataka State Railway Superintendent of Police Yatish N, both students appeared to intentionally step in front of the train. “The CCTV footage makes it apparent that the two deceased were friends and died by suicide. No suicide note has been discovered so far, and a case of unnatural death has been registered,” he said. The findings have led to a full-scale probe into the reasons behind their drastic step, with police examining academic and personal backgrounds for possible clues.

The shocking revelation has left classmates, faculty members, and family relatives in deep distress. Sapthagiri Nursing College authorities have offered condolences and said they will cooperate fully with investigators. The tragedy serves as a grim reminder of rising cases of youth mental health struggles and the urgent need for support systems within academic institutions. Authorities are expected to release further details once the ongoing inquiry concludes.

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