San Rechal, Puducherry model known for challenging skin bias, dies by suicide

PUDUCHERRY: Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu 2019 title holder, San Rachel, 26, allegedly died by suicide in Puducherry. Police said Rachel was battling depression and consumed excessive sleeping pills on July 5 at her house within the Puducherry town limits.She was admitted to Indira Gandhi Govt General Hospital and Postgraduate Institute for treatment. However, she absconded before she was discharged. A couple of days later, her health condition deteriorated, and she was admitted to a private hospital in Moolakulam.She was referred to Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) for advanced treatment. She died on July 12 despite medical attention.A post-mortem examination will be done on July 14, according to a report from the Orleanpet police station.The dusky beauty, who won Miss Puducherry 2021 and Miss Best Attitude 2019 titles, apart from winning Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu in 2019, aspired to win the Miss World title. She participated in many international beauty pageants in London, Germany, and France and won several titles. She also spoke at many public forums about women’s safety and awareness.The award-winning model, who lost her mother at a tender age, was raised by her father, D Gandhi, 57. She entered the modelling industry with her father’s encouragement. Initially, she faced many challenges due to her dark complexion but emerged successful as a model.A few months ago, she married and settled with her husband at Jhansi Nagar near 100 Feet Road within the town limits. Recently, she was suffering from depression.