Model-activist who broke barriers on colourism and body shaming found dead; suicide note found, inquiry underway
14 July 2025, New Delhi
In a heartbreaking incident, San Rechal Gandhi, a 26-year-old model and former beauty queen from Puducherry, has died by suicide after allegedly consuming an overdose of sleeping pills. Widely admired for her bold voice against colourism and body shaming, Rechal’s untimely death has sent shockwaves through the fashion industry and among her many supporters across the country.
According to police reports, San Rechal had taken the pills on 5 July, after which she was rushed to a local government hospital. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was transferred first to a private facility and later to JIPMER, where she passed away on 12 July, after being on life support for several days.
Investigating officers have said they suspect severe financial distress to be a possible trigger. Rechal had reportedly sold her jewellery to cover expenses and had reached out to her father for help, who, due to personal constraints, could not support her financially. A suicide note was recovered from her home, in which she took full responsibility for her actions and requested no one be blamed.
San Rechal first rose to fame after winning the Miss Dark Queen Tamil Nadu 2019 title and later became Miss Puducherry 2021. She also represented India at the Miss Africa Golden 2023 international pageant. Her social media platforms often featured bold messages about embracing natural skin tones and rejecting conventional beauty standards — a message that resonated with many.
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Sources close to her mentioned that while she seemed strong in public, she had been going through a rough emotional phase in recent months. Rechal had reportedly married last year, and authorities are also looking into any personal pressures or relationship challenges that might have contributed to her mental state.
Police have registered a case under Section 174 of the CrPC (unnatural death), and a Tahsildar-level inquiry is currently underway. Investigators have not ruled out any angles, including psychological stress and emotional burnout due to career pressures.
Her sudden death has sparked an outpouring of grief online. Tributes have flooded social media, with fans and friends remembering her as a fierce, graceful, and empowering figure who defied norms and stood up for women facing discrimination based on their appearance.
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