Former Miss Puducherry San Rechal Found Dead in Suspected Suicide; Note Recovered

Former Miss Puducherry San Rechal Dies by Suicide; Police Launch Probe

San Rechal, a 26-year-old model, social media personality, and former Miss Puducherry, allegedly died by suicide on Sunday, police officials confirmed. A note was recovered from her residence, in which she reportedly stated that no one was responsible for her death.

Rechal, who was also known by her other name Shankarapriya, is believed to have consumed an overdose of blood pressure medication at her home in Karamanikuppam shortly after visiting her father. She was first taken to a government hospital, then shifted to a private facility, and later admitted to the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), where she passed away during treatment.

According to preliminary findings, Rechal had been under significant financial and emotional stress in recent months. Police sources said she had sold her jewellery to raise funds for her modelling career and was reportedly expecting financial assistance from her father. However, he had told her he was unable to help due to his responsibilities toward her brother.

Married recently, Rechal was known not only for her modelling work but also for speaking out against colourism in the entertainment and fashion industry. She often used her platform to advocate for greater inclusivity and challenge the bias against darker skin tones. In addition to winning the Miss Puducherry title in 2022, she also earned recognition with titles such as Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu and Miss World – Black Beauty Category.

While the suicide note suggests her death was a personal decision, police have ordered an inquiry to investigate whether any issues in her personal life, including her recent marriage, may have contributed to her distress.

Tributes have poured in on social media, where fans and fellow artists remembered Rechal as bold, talented, and unafraid to challenge industry norms.