Athlete Palender Chaudhary commits suicide at hostel room in Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

A 19-year-old athlete allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in his hostel room at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in South Delhi, the police said on Wednesday. The deceased has been identified as Palender Chaudhary.

Chaudhary was admitted to the Safdarjung hospital in an unconscious state by coach Harkamaljeet Singh, a senior police officer said. The police were informed about the matter at 9 pm on Tuesday by the hospital authorities.

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During the enquiry, the police learnt that Chaudhary had been residing in Jawaharlal Nehru hostel since November 2016 and was taking training for 100- and 200-meter race, Vijay Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) said.

Chaudhary hanged himself with the help of a crepe bandage. He was found hanging in the hostel room by a friend. She immediately raised an alarm and cut the bandage with a knife, the officer said.

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He was immediately rushed by the coach and other guards to the medical centre of Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. After giving him initial treatment, Chaudhary was then taken to Safdarjung hospital for further treatment, the DCP said.

However, doctors at Safdarjung declared him dead on Wednesday morning, the officer said.

Chaudhary’s father has arrived from Agra and inquest proceedings have been initiated, the officer said. His father Mahesh Pal said, “He told me he needed money. I assured him that I will give him the money. Don't know what happened later. I've no complaints against the people at the stadium.”

He told me he needed money. I assured him that I will give him the money. Don't know what happened later. I've no complaints against the people at the stadium:Mahesh Pal, Father of sprinter Palender Chaudhary (who allegedly committed suicide at Delhi's JL Nehru stadium yesterday) pic.twitter.com/bxQmHxsv39

— ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2018

Chaudhary has represented India in 100 and 200-meter race at the international level. He also represented India in the Youth Asia Athletic meet in Bangkok in 2017, the senior officer added.

No suicide note has been recovered, police said, adding the reason behind taking such an extreme step is being probed.