Medico’s death over pet cat dispute exposes deeper student mental health crisis in Hyderabad

A young MBBS graduate in Hyderabad ending life following a disagreement with her family over her pet cat on Friday (March 20), has once again thrown a spotlight on a deeper crisis, where seemingly minor triggers are resulting in irreversible decisions among youngsters.

Shrestha, who had recently completed her MBBS and was preparing for her postgraduate entrance examinations, ended her life at her home after an argument with her mother, who had objected to allowing a pet cat inside the house citing health concerns. The young woman, who had been caring for the cat for the past three months, was suspected to be distressed after being reprimanded. For her family, the loss is as incomprehensible as it is devastating — a promising medical career cut short over what appears to be a trivial disagreement.