Radiology student who ended life was undergoing psychiatric treatment

Surat: A day after the tragic death of a second-year radiology student at Surat's New Civil Hospital, police confirmed that the deceased, Dr Lokesh Devang, had been undergoing psychiatric treatment for over a year. His body was handed over to his family on Sunday and flown to Bengaluru in the evening.

According to officials, Devang, originally from Bengaluru, died by suicide on Saturday afternoon. His friends reported that he had told them he would join them for lunch shortly but instead returned to his room, where he locked the door and hanged himself from the ceiling fan.

Police said they recovered medical files and prescriptions from his room, indicating that he had been receiving psychiatric care since 2023. "His room was in disarray, with books, clothes, and personal belongings scattered. The documents we found confirm that he was under treatment for psychiatric issues, which he had not disclosed to his family," a police officer said.

Devang was described as having a history of aggressive behaviour and frequent arguments with fellow students, teachers and seniors. On the morning of the incident, one of his teachers contacted his family to express concern about his behaviour. Hospital authorities also urged the family to ensure he received proper treatment.

Devang was a meritorious student who had secured admission under the govt quota. His family members, including his brother-in-law and maternal uncle, arrived in Surat on Sunday. They informed police that Devang's father had passed away a year and a half ago, and he had been living with his mother.