Patlikul’s religious instructor commits suicide by hanging

By Lobsang Tenchoe

DHARAMSALA, July 17: The religious instructor of Vocational Training Centre (VTC), Patlikuhl has allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in the institute’s hall.

Geshe Lobsang Thupten, religious instructor of VTC, Patlikuhl has hanged himself in the centre’s hall on July 15. His body has been cremated earlier this morning.

“Geshe Lobsang Thupten was found hanging in the hall when the students entered the hall for their daily prayer session,” Rinzin, the casher of VTC, Patlikuhl told Tibet Express.

“No suicide note was found at the spot or at his residence and usually, Ven Lobsang Thupten gets along well with the students and staff at the centre and has no disputes with any one”, Rinzin added.

The reason behind the suicide is yet to be ascertained but since few months ago, the religious instructor was unable to fall asleep at night and has consulted doctors. Unable to come up with any diagnosis, the doctors ruled out any health complications.

Having completed his monastic education at Drepung Loseling monastery in South India, Geshe Lobsang Thupten started working as religious instructor in Tibetan schools in 2007. In 2012, he assumed the post of religious instructor at VTC, Patlikuhl. He was 52 when he killed himself.