Puducherry: The modelling industry and social media platforms were plunged into mourning following the tragic demise of 25-year-old model San Rachel (born Sankara priya) from Puducherry. The young achiever, known for breaking beauty stereotypes in the fashion world, allegedly took her own life by consuming sleeping pills on June 6, 2025. Despite medical intervention, she succumbed to kidney failure on July 12 at JIPMER Government Hospital after a prolonged battle for survival.

San Rachel had made waves in the modelling circuit by proudly representing dark-skinned women, challenging conventional beauty norms. Her impressive portfolio included prestigious titles like Miss Puducherry (2020), Miss Best Attitude (2019), and Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu (2019). The ambitious young woman had also secured the Queen of Madras crown in 2022 and was the second runner-up in the Miss Africa Golden India competition in 2023. Beyond her personal achievements, she dedicated time to mentoring aspiring models, making her sudden death particularly devastating for her proteges and fans.

Dark Clouds Behind the Glamour

The circumstances surrounding San Rachel’s death have raised several troubling questions. Investigations revealed that after visiting her father’s house in Karamani kuppam on June 6 in Puducherry, the model ingested a dangerous quantity of sleeping pills. Though her brother Gautham immediately rushed her to Puducherry Government Hospital, she discharged herself against medical advice and returned to her husband Sathya’s residence on 100 Feet Road. Within 48 hours, she developed alarming symptoms including severe swelling in her extremities, which led to the shocking diagnosis of complete kidney failure at a private hospital in Moola kulam.

Police have registered a case based on the complaint filed by her father Gandhi at Urulayanpet police station. Preliminary inquiries indicate that financial distress may have been a contributing factor, with reports suggesting San Rachel had accumulated significant debts from organizing fashion shows. While she left behind a note explicitly stating that neither her husband nor mother-in-law were responsible for her actions, authorities are thoroughly examining all possible angles, including potential marital discord or other undisclosed pressures that might have driven her to this extreme step.

If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here is the helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.

(For support, contact Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre at 044 2464 0050 or visit their facility at 11, Park View Road, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai)