Puducherry: San Rachel, a 25-year-old model from Puducherry, died by suicide on Sunday, reportedly after consuming an overdose of blood pressure tablets. The incident occurred at her residence in Karamanikuppam. Rachel, whose original name was Shankarapriya, had been undergoing treatment at JIPMER Hospital for kidney-related ailments in recent days. She was declared dead while receiving medical care following the overdose.
A prominent figure in the regional modelling industry, Rachel earned several titles including Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu (2019), Miss Best Attitude (2019), Miss Pondicherry (2020–21), and the Miss World title in the “Black Beauty” category. Despite facing early-life discrimination due to her skin tone, she built a successful modelling career and gained recognition by hosting fashion shows and public events. Orleanpet police have launched an investigation and are examining two possible motives—financial stress due to losses from fashion events and prolonged health issues. A death note was reportedly found at the scene, in which Rachel clarified that neither her husband nor mother-in-law was responsible for her death. The incident has sent shockwaves through the modelling community and among her followers.