Former Miss Puducherry, Model San Rechal Dies By Suicide; Note Found

Former Miss Puducherry and popular model San Rechal, a prominent voice against colour-based discrimination in the entertainment industry, allegedly died by suicide on Sunday in Puducherry. She was 26.

According to police officials, Rechal, also known as Shankarapriya, consumed an overdose of blood pressure pills at her residence in Karamanikuppam. She was rushed to multiple hospitals before she breathed her last at the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER).

Police have recovered a suicide note from her home, in which she has reportedly stated that no one is to be held responsible for her death.

However, a preliminary investigation suggests that the recently married model may have been under severe financial and personal distress. Officials said that in recent months, Rechal had sold her jewellery to raise money for her career. She had reportedly approached her father for financial assistance but was denied.

Given that she had married recently, police have ordered an inquiry to ascertain if any marital issues could have been a contributing factor to her taking the extreme step.

San Rechal was a celebrated figure in the regional fashion circuit, having won the Miss Puducherry title in 2022. She also won several other pageants, including Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu, and used her platform to speak out against the widespread bias for fair skin. She was known for championing the cause of dark-skinned women in an industry often criticised for its lack of inclusivity.

An investigation into her death is underway.