In a shocking turn of events, San Rechal, a 26-year-old model and social media influencer and Miss Puducherry 2022, took her life on Sunday. She was pronounced dead at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) after being transferred from two other hospitals after an alleged overdose.
Police sources indicated that San had taken a huge quantity of tablets not long after a visit to her father’s residence. She was first taken to a government hospital, later transferred to a private hospital, and eventually admitted to JIPMER, where she died.
Police investigators are of the view that severe financial hardship and emotional stress could have prompted her to make the extreme decision.
“She reportedly wanted financial assistance from her father, but he conveyed his inability, stating that he had responsibilities toward his son,” a government official said.
Suicide Note Recovered, Tahsildar Inquiry Directed
Authorities discovered a suicide note explicitly declaring that nobody should be blamed for her death. Nevertheless, because of the controversial backdrop of her marriage just a while ago, a Tahsildar-level investigation has been launched to investigate any potential issues regarding her marriage that could have impacted her mental state.
San had allegedly promised and sold her jewellery over the past few months to finance her business activities, indicating how stressed she was.
A Voice Against Colourism and Discrimination
Aside from her career in modelling, San Rechal was known for her strong and vocal opposition against colourism in the fashion and entertainment sectors in India. She was always using her influence to speak out against the preoccupation with light skin and push for more inclusivity.
“She was vocal about the discrimination that dark-skinned people, especially women, were being subjected to,” sources close to her revealed.
Her passing has led to mass condolences and contemplation on social media, reopening pertinent dialogues on mental health, business expectations, and social biases in Indian society.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The police are still investigating, considering San’s personal, economic, and professional life. There has not been any suspicion of foul play as yet, but authorities are seeking more details to shed more light on the case.
