Berhampur, Feb. 22: Two girls committed suicide by consuming pesticides at Narayanpur village, apparently not being able to cope with the stress ahead of the forthcoming matriculation examination.

The victims were identified as Sangini Mallick, 15, and Mamini Swain, 17.

“Mamini and Sangini procured a bottle of pesticide and consumed it on the rooftop of the former’s house on Wednesday night. They were immediately taken to MKCG Medical College and Hospital. But, both of them died yesterday,” said inspector in charge of Sadar police station A.K. Sethi. Sangini started vomiting immediately after consuming the poison while Mamini fell unconscious.

“Mamini and Sangini preferred to die rather than be scolded for their failures. Both of them had told their friends that they would end their lives,” said Gita Das, a friend of the two.

“We never thought that they were serious,” she said.

Mamini was an ex-regular student while Sangini was to take the tests for the first time this year. The duo were neighbours and good friends.