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Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru software engineer, died by suicide amidst claims of marital harassment. His note and video highlighted legal battles, urging justice.

Bengaluru Techie’s Suicide Note Alleges Harassment, Abetment Charges Filed

Atul Subhash, a Bengaluru software engineer, died by suicide amidst claims of marital harassment. His note and video highlighted legal battles, urging justice.

A day after a 34-year-old techie from Uttar Pradesh died by suicide after blaming his wife and her family, the police on Tuesday said they have been booked for abetment of suicide. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Atul Subhash, who worked for a private firm in Bengaluru, left behind a 24-page death note, giving extensive details of what he alleged was years long of emotional distress of marital issues; multiple cases filed against him and harassment by his wife, her relatives, and a judge based in Uttar Pradesh, police said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Subhash's body was found hanging at his residence in the Manjunath Layout area, which falls under the Marathahalli police station limits, they added. A placard reading "Justice is due" was found in the room where he ended his life. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Before taking the drastic step, he recorded an over 80-minute video on Rumble, explaining the circumstances under which he had decided to die by suicide. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In the video, which has now gone viral on social media platforms, Subhash can be heard saying, "I feel that I should kill myself because the money I earn is making my enemies stronger. That same money will be used to destroy me, and this cycle will keep going. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; "With the money from my taxes, this court and police system will harass me, my family, and other good people. So, the supply of value should be finished." &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; He demanded that, after his death, his wife and her family should not be allowed near his body. Until his alleged harassers were punished, he asked his family not to immerse his ashes. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Demanding justice, Subhash urged his family to throw the ashes outside the court's gutter if his alleged harassers were not found guilty. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; "Based on a complaint from his family, we have registered a case of abetment of suicide against his wife and her family members. All the allegations are being looked into, and we are investigating the matter," a senior police officer said. No arrests have been made yet, he added. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; According to police, preliminary investigations revealed that Subhash had been facing marital discord with his wife, who had also registered a case against him in Uttar Pradesh. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; He also sent his death note via email to several people and shared it with a WhatsApp group of an NGO he was associated with, the officer said. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Additionally, in his death note, Subhash requested that custody of his child be granted to his parents, stating that they could "provide better values". &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; In his death note, Subhash mentioned getting married in 2019. The couple had a son, the following year. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; He alleged that his wife&rsquo;s family repeatedly harassed him for money, demanding several lakh. When he refused, his wife reportedly left their Bengaluru home with their son in 2021, he alleged in this suicide note. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; Subhash further alleged, "My wife will keep my child alienated and file more cases to harass me, my elderly parents, and my brother, using the money I pay her as maintenance. Instead of using it for our child's welfare, she is weaponising it against us."

The producer allegedly attempted suicide by hanging in his residence at Mahalakshmi Layout in Bengaluru. He was reportedly depressed after his mother-in-law's death.

Kannada film producer Soundarya Jagadish dies of alleged suicide attempt, was reportedly 'depressed'

<h2>The producer allegedly attempted suicide by hanging in his residence at Mahalakshmi Layout in Bengaluru. He was reportedly depressed after his mother-in-law's death.</h2>

In a round of sad news coming from the Kannada film industry, Kannada film producer and businessman Soundarya Jagadish died following an alleged suicide attempt. Police and close sources informed PTI that the producer allegedly attempted suicide by hanging in his residence at Mahalakshmi Layout in Bengaluru. He was reportedly depressed after his mother-in-law passed away.
<h3>Soundarya Jagadish dies by suicide</h3>
Jagadish's friend Shreyas told reporters, according to PTI that the producer passed away after a suicide attempt. 'Jagadish has died following a suicide attempt. We brought him to the hospital, where he was declared dead. Further procedures are underway to know what was the reason. There were no health issues; we are unable to tell you the reason suddenly,' he said.&nbsp;
His friend rubbished reports of cardiac arrest and said, 'On getting to know, he was immediately rushed to the hospital this morning...he had attempted suicide by hanging.'
Indian Express reported DCP (North) Saidulu Adavath saying that Jagadish&rsquo;s wife had filed a complaint. 'We are investigating the case from all angles. Recently, his mother-in-law passed away and he was depressed because he was attached to her. He was also under medication for stress,' he told the media.
Along with being a film producer, Jagadish also owned a pub in Bangalore, which was recently embroiled in a controversy.&nbsp;
Jagadish has produced several films including Snehitaru, Appu and Pappu, Mast Maja Maadi, and Ramleela.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/entertainment-news/bollywood/shah-rukh-khan-suhana-khan-and-ananya-panday-cheer-on-as-kkr-wins-against-lsg-at-eden-gardens-watch-1713149290593">Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan and Ananya Panday cheer on as KKR wins against LSG at Eden Gardens | watch</a>

A couple in Kerala died by suicide after their daughter ran away with her lover. The couple got depressed over the fact and consumed overdose of some pills.

Upset over daughter's affair, parents in Kerala die by suicide

A couple in Kerala died by suicide after their daughter ran away with her lover. The couple got depressed over the fact and consumed overdose of some pills.

A couple died by suicide in this south Kerala district allegedly depressed because their college-going daughter eloped with her lover.
The deceased were identified as Unnikrishna Pillai and his wife Bindhu, who belong to Pavumba here.
Quoting some of their relatives, police said the couple were mentally down over their daughter's relationship and the fact that she had eloped without considering their request to give it up.
They consumed an overdose of some pills on Saturday night.
While Bindhu died last night, Pillai's death was confirmed early Sunday morning, police added.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/pm-modi-to-visit-j-k-on-february-20-security-beefed-up-1708252785750">PM Modi to visit J&amp;K on February 20, security beefed up</a>

Police say that prima facie the 27-year-old judge Jyotsana Rai died by suicide. 

Uttar Pradesh: junior female judge dies by suicide in Badaun

Police say that prima facie the 27-year-old judge Jyotsana Rai died by suicide.&nbsp;

A civil judge posted in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun died by suicide at her official residence on Saturday.
The body of the 27-year-old judge, identified as Jyotsna Rai, was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside her home.
According to media reports, the 27-year-old judge hailed from Mau and was serving in Badaun for a year.
A suicide note, along with other documents, was recovered from her room.
Senior Superintendent of Police of Budaun Alok Priyadarshi said that prima facie it seems to be a case of mental stress, India Today report said.&nbsp;

Uttar Pradesh: 3 brothers attempt suicide; 2 dead, third battling for life

As per information gathered from the family members and some villagers, police said it appears that the brothers were very close to each other.

Three brothers allegedly attempted suicide on Thursday by hanging within a span of 24 hours resulting in the death of two, while the third is fighting for his life in a hospital, police said.
According to police, one Pan Singh (19) of the Aurangabad village under the Dhanari police station area allegedly committed suicide by hanging from a tree. He took the extreme step after a heated argument with his father.
The family members recovered the body and brought it home. The elder brother Brajesh (21), apparently hurt by the incident, attempted suicide by hanging himself in a room. The family members and other villagers intervened and took him to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile the eldest brother Munish (25), who works in Chandigarh, returned home after hearing the news. "Munish committed suicide by hanging from a tree near the village on Friday morning, shortly after returning from Chandigarh," said Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sambhal Kuldeep Singh Gunawat.
"The family members had cremated the bodies of both the brothers. We came to know about the incident from some villagers," added the officer who, along with senior officials, reached the village and met with the grieving family.
"Though no formal police complaint has been lodged regarding the matter, we have submitted a report to the SDM regarding the incident," added the officer.
When asked about the reason for the suicides, the SP said, "As per information gathered from the family members and some villagers it appears that the brothers were very close to each other. The youngest brother had some argument with the father regarding leaving the village in search of work. Besides this, no other reason has come to the fore," said the SP.&nbsp;

26-year-old surgery student dies by suicide after boyfriend backs out of marriage citing dowry as the reason.

Kerala doctor dies by suicide after boyfriend demands BMW, gold in dowry

Kerala doctor Shahana commits suicide after groom cancels wedding over dowry demands

26-year-old surgery student dies by suicide after boyfriend backs out of marriage citing dowry as the reason.

A young woman doctor died allegedly by suicide on December 5 after her groom who was also her boyfriend backed out of the wedding citing dowry as the reason.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George ordered a probe into the death of the 26-year-old Shahana, a postgraduate doctor who was a student in the surgery department of the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College.&nbsp; The Medical College Police informed that a case of unnatural death had been registered after she was found unconscious at her apartment and was later declared 'brought dead' at the hospital.
The groom's family allegedly demanded gold, a BMW car and 15 acres of land in dowry. The groom who was also a doctor in the same facility broke the marriage after her family failed to fulfil the demands.&nbsp;

A 20-year-old woman Agniveer from Kerala allegedly died by suicide at a Navy hostel in Mumbai.

20-yr-old woman Agniveer dies by 'suicide' at Navy hostel in Mumbai

A 20-year-old woman Agniveer from Kerala allegedly died by suicide at a Navy hostel in Mumbai.

A 20-year-old woman undergoing Agniveer training in the Indian Navy allegedly died by suicide by hanging herself in her hostel room at INS Hamla in Mumbai, police said on Tuesday.
The woman, hailing from Kerala, was undergoing training at the INS Hamla in the Malwani area in the western suburb of Malad, an official said.
She allegedly hung herself in her hostel room on Monday morning, he said.
While no suicide note was recovered from the spot, it appears the woman took the extreme step due to personal reasons, the official said.
The woman had been training at the facility for the last 15 days after completing her basic training, he said.
The police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) and further investigation is underway, the official added.
Agniveers are soldiers recruited by the armed forces under the Agnipath scheme, which was introduced in 2022.

Manish in his Facebook live said that the girl's family had threatened to implicate him in a fabricated rape case if he did not pay them Rs 5 lakh

Man dies by suicide on Facebook Live, accuses girlfriend of fake rape case

Manish in his Facebook Live said that the girl's family had threatened to implicate him in a fabricated rape case if he did not pay them Rs 5 lakh

A 38-year-old man ended his life claiming that he was being blackmailed with a rape accusation, and livestreamed his extreme act on Facebook, police said.
Manish alias Raj Yadav, a resident of the Kalamna area of Nagpur, ended his life by jumping into the Kanhan river on Sunday, said an official.
According to police, he was in a relationship with a 19-year-old girl from his locality.
The girl went missing from her home on September 6 and her family alleged that Manish was responsible for it, said the police official.
On Sunday, Manish streamed a live video on Facebook from the riverbank where he said that the girl's family had threatened to implicate him in a fabricated rape case if he did not pay them Rs 5 lakh, and they had similarly blackmailed someone else in Uttar Pradesh before targeting him.
Facing unbearable pressure, he was ending his life, he said.
Kalamna police has detained the girl and her family members for questioning and an investigation is underway, the official said.&nbsp;
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/police-disclosure-must-not-result-in-media-trial-sc-1694654265699">Police disclosure must not result in media trial: SC</a>

Gurugram: man kills self on Insta Live, wife accuses his female friend of torture

The wife of the deceased told the police that he had gone to the hotel to celebrate the birthday of his female friend, who forced him to snuff out life.&nbsp;

A 35-year-old man here allegedly committed suicide, recording and broadcasting the act through Instagram Live from a hotel room, police said on Tuesday.
The wife of the deceased, Vikram, has accused a woman of blackmailing him and forcing her husband to commit suicide.
According to the complaint filed by Neeru, the wife, a native of Hisar, on Monday, her husband Vikram had gone to a hotel in Sector 38 at the call of a female friend of his to celebrate her birthday.
"At the hotel, my husband was forced to commit suicide and even record it on Instagram Live. She was constantly blackmailing Vikram and demanding money from him. She had some objectionable videos of both of them which she threatened to make upload online.
"She tortured Vikram twice and forced him to kill himself," Neeru said in her complaint, according to police.
The couple lives with its two children in the Rajendra Park area, she said.
Following her complaint, an FIR was registered against the female friend under section 306 (abetment to suicide) of the IPC at Sadar Police Station on Monday, said police.
"An FIR has been registered against Anshi, a native of Himachal Pradesh, as per the complaint. We are verifying the facts and action will be taken as per the law," said Inspector Subhash Chand, SHO, Sadar Police Station.&nbsp;

'The body was sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examination. We are investigating the matter,' police told PTI on 26 August, 2023

10-year-old boy's body found in Assam BJP MP's home, suicide suspected

'The body was sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examination. We are investigating the matter,' police told PTI on 26 August, 2023

The body of a 10-year-old boy, the son of a domestic help, was recovered from the residence of Lok Sabha MP Rajdeep Roy in Assam's Cachar district on Saturday, police said.
The body was found with a cloth wrapped around the neck, Cachar Additional Superintendent of Police Subrata Sen told PTI.
The victim's mother was working in the house of the BJP leader as a domestic help for two-and-a-half years and was originally from Dholai area, he said.
"The body was sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for postmortem examination. We are investigating the matter," Sen, who visited the spot soon after receiving information, said.
The MP did not want to make any comment on the incident, saying that the police are investigating the case.

Delhi man dies by suicide over medical bills and prolonged illness: reports

Delhi man dies by suicide over prolonged illness and medical bills: reports

Reports suggest that Nitesh took this extreme step because of his prolonged illness and medical

A 24-year-old man's body was found inside a hotel room in Delhi who allegedly died by suicide, police said.
Reports suggest that Nitesh took this extreme step because of his prolonged illness and medical expenses.
He was reportedly seen entering the hotel in North Delhi's Adarsh Nagar area carrying a small bag on March 21. In the purported suicide note recovered by police, Nitesh was upset over his illness and medical bills, NDTV reported.
(Details awaited)
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/crime-news/delhi-highly-decomposed-body-of-elderly-foreigner-woman-found-1679116514890">Delhi: highly decomposed body of elderly foreigner woman found</a>

Police said they have informed the relatives about the incident and the body has been preserved at the AIIMS mortuary. The investigation is being carried out under CrPC section 174 (which deals with suicide).

Man found hanging from ceiling fan in South Delhi hotel

Police said that they informed the deceased's relatives about the incident and the body was preserved at the AIIMS mortuary. An investigation is being carried out under CrPC section 174 which deals with suicide.

A 23-year-old man has been found dead inside his hotel room in South Delhi's Neb Sarai area, police said on Tuesday.
The body of Rahul, a resident of Dakshinpuri Extension, Pushpa Bahawan, was found hanging from the ceiling fan in room number 101 on the second floor of the hotel in Surya Enclave late Sunday night, they said.
On Saturday, Rahul stayed at the hotel with a person named Sourav and checked-out Sunday morning. However, he checked into the hotel again around 5 pm on Sunday but stayed alone this time, a police officer said.
Police said they have informed the relatives about the incident and the body has been preserved at the AIIMS mortuary. The investigation is being carried out under CrPC section 174 (which deals with suicide).
During the investigation, the police stumbled onto a case of impersonation.
As police officials were scanning the CCTV footage of the hotel, they found a man in police uniform suspiciously entering the hotel. The hotel staff told them the man stayed with a woman in room number 206.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/rajya-sabha-bjp-repeats-rahul-gandhi-apology-demand-opposition-protest-leads-to-adjournment-1678787217916">Rajya Sabha: BJP repeats 'Rahul Gandhi apology' demand; Opposition protest leads to adjournment</a>
The police later identified the man as Nabab Singh, a resident of Ashok Nagar in Mandoli area. The man was in Delhi police uniform and introduced himself as a constable posted in Jyoti Nagar police station, the officer said.
However, when asked to provide an I-card, he failed to produce it.
The police said the man was a civil defence volunteer.
He has been booked for impersonating a Delhi Police constable, police added.

The incident came to light when the 16-year-old went missing after study hours which ended at 10 pm.

Hyderabad: class 11 student of residential school dies by suicide in classroom 

The incident came to light when the 16-year-old went missing after study hours which ended at 10 pm.

In a horrific incident near Hyderabad, a class 11 student of a residential school died by suicide on Tuesday.
The student, who hailed from a nearby town, was found hanging in his classroom by his classmates.
The incident came to light when the 16-year-old went missing after study hours which ended at 10 pm. The pressure to perform better in competitive exams might have driven him to suicide, as per a friend of the student.
The incident comes after a spate of suicides by students in Telangana in recent weeks.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/lpg-price-hike-opposition-stages-protest-in-various-states-including-mp-maharashtra-rajasthan-watch-1677661575286">LPG price hike: opposition stages protest in various states including MP, Maharashtra, Rajasthan</a>

26-year-old medical student dies four days after attempting suicide in Telangana

26-year-old junior doctor dies four days after attempting suicide in Telangana

According to cops, D Preethi attempted suicide on wednesday after allegedly being harassed by a senior.

A 26-year-old medical student in Telangana's Kakatiya Medical College died four days after she attempted suicide over ragging by senior on Sunday night, NDTV reported.
According to cops, D Preethi attempted suicide on wednesday after allegedly being harassed by a senior. She was found unconscious at MGM Hospital after working the night shift. She was later moved to Hyderabad in a critical condition, the report added.&nbsp;
The WhatsApp chats on the victim's and the accused's phones suggested ragging, Warangal police commissioner AV Ranganath told NDTV.&nbsp;
Following a complaint by Preethi's father, the cops arrested a second-year-post graduate student Mohammed Ali Saif, on charges of ragging, abetment to suicide and harassment under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/delhi-high-court-on-agniveer-military-recruitment-petitions-challenging-scheme-dismissed-say-reports-1677475222025">Delhi High Court on Agniveer military recruitment: petitions challenging Agnipath scheme dismissed&nbsp;</a>

A doctor of the Ranchi hospital where Vivek died said that he had consumed pesticide and was admitted to the medical establishment.

Jharkhand MLA’s son dies by ‘suicide’: police

A doctor of the Ranchi hospital where Vivek died said that he had consumed pesticide and was admitted to the medical establishment.

Jharkhand&rsquo;s Sindri MLA Indrajeet Mahto&rsquo;s 29-year-old son Vivek Kumar Mahto died on Monday after allegedly consuming pesticide, police said.
The deceased, who was staying in Delhi and preparing for competitive examinations, had returned to Silli, around 65 km from Ranchi, a few days back and was staying with one of his friends, a police officer said.
His father and Sindri&rsquo;s BJP MLA has been ill for a long time and is undergoing treatment in a hospital in Hyderabad.
&ldquo;As per information received, Vivek Kumar Mahto consumed pesticide on Sunday morning. He was first taken to a private hospital in Muri and was later referred to another medical establishment in Ranchi, where he died on Monday,&rdquo; Silli police station in-charge Akashdeep told PTI.
He said Vivek might have been suffering from depression and it seems to be a case of suicide but further investigation is underway.
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A doctor of the Ranchi hospital where he died said that he had consumed pesticide and was admitted to the medical establishment on Sunday evening, and he breathed his last on Monday morning.

1.12 lakh daily wage earners committed suicide in 2019-21: Govt to Lok Sabha

Over 1 lakh daily wage earners died by suicide between 2019-21: govt data

Over 1 lakh daily wage earners died by suicide between 2019-21: Centre

As many as 35,950 students and 31,839 persons engaged in the farming sector such as cultivators and agricultural labourers also committed suicide in three years -- 2019, 2020 and 2021, he said during the Question Hour

A total of 1.12 lakh daily wage earners committed suicide in three years -- 2019 to 2021, Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav said in Lok Sabha on Monday, quoting reports of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Yadav said 66,912 housewives, 53,661 self-employed persons, 43,420 salaried persons and 43,385 unemployed persons also committed suicide during the period.
As many as 35,950 students and 31,839 persons engaged in the farming sector such as cultivators and agricultural labourers also committed suicide in three years -- 2019, 2020 and 2021, he said during the Question Hour.
The minister said that according to the Unorganised Workers Social Security Act, 2008, the government is mandated to provide social security to workers in the unorganised sector, including daily wage workers, by formulating suitable welfare schemes on matters relating to life and disability cover, health and maternity benefits, old age protection, and any other benefit as may be determined by the central government.
The life and disability cover is provided through the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), he said.
The PMJJBY is available to the people in the age group of 18 to 50 years having a bank or post office account who give their consent to join or enable auto debit, the minister said.
Risk coverage under this scheme is for Rs 2 lakh in case of death of the insured, due to any reason, at an annual premium of Rs 436 which is to be auto debited from the subscriber's account, Yadav said.
As on December 31, 2022, 14.82 crore beneficiaries have been enrolled under the scheme, he said.
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1,64,033.449 every day.18 every single hour.  
That’s how many people died by suicide in 2021, as per government data. This is the highest number of suicides India has ever recorded in a year. According to reports, India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. There is no hiding that India has an understated and dire problem of mental illnesses. Access to mental healthcare services are still elusive for many, due to both lack of resources, as well as awareness. While there is growing conversation on the importance of mental wellbeing, the end goal is quite a distance away, especially now, as we grapple to come to terms with the fallout from the pandemic.   
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we turn back the clock and speak with Krishan Kalsi, one of the co-founders of Sumaitri, a crisis intervention center for people who are depressed, distressed or suicidal. Set up over three decades, this is India’s first volunteer-based suicide prevention hotline. While the adage goes ‘time equals money’, volunteers at Sumaitri showed up for people every day without expecting a penny in return. With only the thought of helping people to motivate them, we hear the story of some of the first few people who furthered the conversation on mental health in India.   
The world as we know is made up of small quiet contributions by many. People who made history, but got left out of our history books. Hear the stories of these changemakers, straight from them — in editorji's series ‘The Footnote’

The story of India's first suicide prevention helpline with Krishan Kalsi | The Footnote 

1,64,033.
449 every day.
18 every single hour.  

That’s how many people died by suicide in 2021, as per government data. This is the highest number of suicides India has ever recorded in a year. According to reports, India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. There is no hiding that India has an understated and dire problem of mental illnesses. Access to mental healthcare services are still elusive for many, due to both lack of resources, as well as awareness. While there is growing conversation on the importance of mental wellbeing, the end goal is quite a distance away, especially now, as we grapple to come to terms with the fallout from the pandemic.   

This World Suicide Prevention Day, we turn back the clock and speak with Krishan Kalsi, one of the co-founders of Sumaitri, a crisis intervention center for people who are depressed, distressed or suicidal. Set up over three decades, this is India’s first volunteer-based suicide prevention hotline. While the adage goes ‘time equals money’, volunteers at Sumaitri showed up for people every day without expecting a penny in return. With only the thought of helping people to motivate them, we hear the story of some of the first few people who furthered the conversation on mental health in India.   

The world as we know is made up of small quiet contributions by many. People who made history, but got left out of our history books. Hear the stories of these changemakers, straight from them — in editorji's series ‘The Footnote’

This World Suicide Prevention Day, we turn back the clock and speak with Krishan Kalsi, one of the co-founders of Sumaitri, a crisis intervention center for people who are depressed, distressed or suicidal.&nbsp;

1,64,033. 449 every day. 18 every single hour. &nbsp;
That&rsquo;s how many people died by suicide in 2021, as per government data. This is the highest number of suicides India has ever recorded in a year. According to reports, India has 0.75 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. There is no hiding that India has an understated and dire problem of mental illnesses. Access to mental healthcare services are still elusive for many, due to both lack of resources, as well as awareness. While there is growing conversation on the importance of mental wellbeing, the end goal is quite a distance away, especially now, as we grapple to come to terms with the fallout from the pandemic.   
This World Suicide Prevention Day, we turn back the clock and speak with Krishan Kalsi, one of the co-founders of Sumaitri, a crisis intervention center for people who are depressed, distressed or suicidal. Set up over three decades ago, this is among India&rsquo;s first volunteer-based suicide prevention hotline. While the adage goes &lsquo;time equals money&rsquo;, volunteers at Sumaitri showed up for people every day without expecting a penny in return. With only the thought of helping people to motivate them, we hear the story of some of the first few people who furthered the conversation on mental health in India.   
Nishtha Shanti: Can you tell us a little bit about where the thought for Sumaitri came from and why you decided to start it? Krishan Kalsi: Sumaitri was founded in September 1988. The reason was in those days the suicide rate was very high and unfortunately there was no place where people in crisis could go and seek help. What is crisis? Crisis is a situation where you do not know what's going to happen next. And in that suspense, you get more worried and more anxious and more tense. And that's where you tend to take a decision which may not be good for you. At the time when the person needs to speak to somebody to share his thoughts with somebody there is nobody around.
NS - What were the early days of Sumaitri like? What were some challenges you faced? KK - I was keen to start something where nobody was paid a single penny. One volunteer was an advocate, one was a psychiatrist, one was a housewife, one was a media professional, one was a social worker, and one was working with the UN. So, all of us, we came together and we started it. Each person who was there, was a volunteer. Nothing was paid, no conveyance was paid - to the extent where you have to pay for our own tea and coffee. The biggest challenge was the first training program. We did not have any premises. So where did we go? It's amazing! At the IIC lawns we were a group of about 18 to 20 people, and there were three or four trainers also sitting there and having the training in the open. They felt for the cause, all of us. We felt for the cause and we realized that we can help. Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/over-9-100-indians-died-by-suicide-due-to-unemployment-in-3-years-govt-1644466466434">Over 9,100 Indians died by suicide due to unemployment in 3 years: Govt</a>
NS - From not having a place to conduct training session to eventually setting up the center, how did you first secure a premises for yourself? KK - Now, I remember the first time we went to the NDMC seeking a place because felt this is the agency which can help us. And the chairperson was there, he asked me one very simple question "What is suicide? I mean if a person has to commit suicide, why should they seek help?" I said, "the thing is that if we are running the center, we are not saying that suicide will stop, or that nobody will commit suicide. But the thing is, that there are many people who are contemplating. There are many people who are on the edge at the moment and they think that their life is here or there. Now, if they are in that kind of situation and they know that there is this place, there is this number I can call up - 100% this person will make a phone call. You are sitting here with three people. I ask one simple question if, God forbid, tomorrow you have a crisis. Where would you go? Will you talk to your wife?" He said "no", your friends "no'". "Well, I'm a man. I can take care of it" I said, "Hypothetically speaking, you cannot. You realize that okay you're reaching the edge now. What would you do?" You won't believe within 10-20 minutes; we were given a premises.
NS - For people to be able to call this number, it was important that they know about it. How did word about Sumaitri spread? KK - Those were the days mobile phones were just beginning and were not that common. The only alternative we had was to go to the public to talk to people. So, we would visit universities, schools and conduct community outreach programmes. &nbsp;One good thing that happened was that a few people came forward said, we'll sponsor your ads. These used to be very tiny ads, but slowly people started to know about us. &nbsp;And then, of course, there was media support, and many magazines and newspaper covered us also.
 NS - While conversation on mental health in India is growing, it's still not very common. What was it like to talk about suicide over three decades ago? KK - You may not know it, but during those days, there were certain things that were happening. Family problems, dowry deaths. And trying to come to terms with reality was very tough because it was a changing society. That time it was very different and suicide was &nbsp;taboo subject. I remember, we had gone to a girls school and we were addressing class 11 students and the teachers were shocked when I used the word 'atmahatya' And the first reaction was, oh-oh,, no, no, no. There is no need to talk, you talk about other things also. So then we said that this is one thing we want to talk about because people are, because young girls, young boys are committing suicide. In higher secondary if you don't get 90%, you won't get admission anywhere. And after the meeting was over, two of the young girls came up to me, and talked about it. It is quite an emotional experience when you face this kind of a thing, that a young girl of 16 or 17 feeling suicidal because she may not get 90%.&nbsp;
Also watch -<a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/drought-of-choices-the-vanishing-farmers-of-maharashtra-1571653218624"> Drought of choices: the vanishing farmers of Maharashtra&nbsp;&nbsp;</a>
NS - The problem of people dying by suicide is becoming bigger in India every day. What do you think we can do to try to lessen this issue and help those who may need it? KK - We know people who died. People who did not die or people who are still suffering from it, or people who are still trying to work out their lives so that they can survive is a humongous number. We see suffering all around us and we see people are leading a very lonely life. And there has to be some kind of a human contact, to say that 'Okay, I am there for you. I can share your life, your pain with you. I may not be able to do much, but the thing is, I am there on the other line.' The problem is that we evaluate ourselves before we seek help. And that is one of the reasons we don't seek help. At the moment that there is a greater need of a center like Sumaitri to be spreading all over and telling people that it's normal to feel suicidal, it's normal to feel sad, it's normal to feel that, okay, this is the end of the life. But sure enough, the help is available. It has to be made more public in the schools. I would start from the schools - if a child knows that, okay, there can be a crisis and then one can seek help also, the help would be available. Like we used to say and we still say that you might feel lonely, but you are not alone. I'm there with you on the other side of the phone.&nbsp; The world as we know is made up of small quiet contributions by many. People who made history, but got left out of our history books. Hear the stories of these changemakers, straight from them &mdash; in editorji's series &lsquo;The Footnote&rsquo; Also watch - <a href="https://www.editorji.com/editorji-specials/the-footnote-revisiting-india-s-first-pride-parade-with-pawan-dhall-1656689032958">Revisiting India's first Pride Parade with Pawan Dhall | The Footnote</a> (If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call <a href="http://www.healthcollective.in/contact/helplines/">these numbers</a> of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs.)

A suicide note has also been recovered in which Devender has stated that he took the extreme step due to personal reasons, a senior police officer said.

 Delhi Police head constable shoots self with service pistol, dies

A suicide note has also been recovered in which Devender has stated that he took the extreme step due to personal reasons, a senior police officer said.

A Delhi Police head constable died on Thursday after he shot himself with his service pistol inside Paharganj police station, officials said.
Head constable Devender, posted in jaguar team of Delhi Police's central district shot himself at 3.30 am, they said.
A suicide note has also been recovered in which Devender has stated that he took the extreme step due to personal reasons, a senior police officer said.
Proceedings under section 174 CrPC are being conducted. The post-mortem was conducted at the Lady Hardinge Medical College and his body has been sent to his native place in Haryana's Sonipat, the officer said.
(PTI)

Delhi: cop posted at Israel Embassy residential complex shoots self

The head constable, posted in the security unit of Delhi Police shot himself dead.&nbsp;

A Delhi Police head constable posted at the Israel Embassy residential complex in Vasant Vihar area died by suicide on wednesday morning.&nbsp;
The head constable, posted in the security unit of Delhi Police shot himself dead.&nbsp;
According to an India Today report, no suicide note has been recovered from the site so far. However, initial reports suggest that the cop ended his life due to personal reasons.
A case has been registered and investigation is underway in the matter.&nbsp;
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/crime-news/on-camera-girl-stabbed-in-delhi-by-friend-in-broad-daylight-accused-arrested-say-police-1672816152408">On camera: girl stabbed in Delhi by 'friend' in broad daylight; accused arrested, say police</a>

'I wish he comes clean': Karnataka CM Bommai on BJP MLA booked for 'harassment' of Bengaluru man 

'I wish he comes clean': Karnataka CM Bommai on BJP MLA booked in suicide case

'I wish he comes clean': Karnataka CM Bommai on BJP MLA booked for 'harassment' of Bengaluru man 

47-year-old Bengaluru man, identified as S Pradeep shot himself in his car on Sunday and left behind a note naming BJP MLA Aravind Limbavali and 5 others for causing him mental harassment.

Former Karnataka minister and BJP MLA Arvind Limbavali is among six people named in the FIR in connection with the death of a businessman, police said on Monday.
Pradeep (47) was found dead in his car near Bengaluru on Sunday evening, they said, adding that he had allegedly shot himself in the head.
He had purportedly left behind an eight-page death note that named Mahadevapura MLA Aravind Limbavali and five others, according to police.
Limbavali is accused number 3 in the FIR, which also names -- Gopi K, Somaiah, Ramesh Reddy G, Jayarama Reddy, and Raghava Bhat.
The case has been registered at Kaggalipura police station.
The FIR is based on a complaint by Pradeep's wife along with the death note.
Responding to a question on the case registered against Limbavali, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said: "Action is being taken as per law...actions will follow in the future too in accordance with law." Stating that Pradeep was a BJP worker and had initially handled his social media account, Limbavali on his part said he had only tried to help the businessman, and was ready for any inquiry. "In fact, I demand for an inquiry, for the truth to come out." The legislator said he doesn't know as to what was the motive behind mentioning his name in the death note, and ruled out the possibility of any conspiracy against him.
Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Karnataka Congress President D K Shivakumar alleged that the government would soon shut the case by filing a 'B report'.
"They did the same for cases involving people who were ministers earlier. Now, they will do the same in the case of Limbavali too. I know," he said in a dig at the ruling BJP.
According to the police, the death note pointed to the six accused for doing injustice to Pradeep, who has demanded for justice and actions against those named.
Pradeep is said to have invested about Rs 1.5 crore in an upcoming resort project involving Gopi, Somaiah and others near HSR Layout, a prominent suburb, and was promised a stake in it, but was later allegedly cheated, police said.
Limbavali is said to have tried to broker a compromise between them, and an agreement was reached a month ago to pay Pradeep his dues, but the latter did not receive all the money, they added.
Pradeep had gone to a resort in Nettigere along with his family on Saturday night to celebrate the New Year, police said.
He is said to have left the resort on Sunday morning, saying he needed to go to Sira, but had gone home instead, penned the death note and returned to the resort, they said, adding that in the evening he shot himself in the car.
Noting that in June/July of 2022, Pradeep had come to his office and shared his problem, Limbavali said: "Immediately based on the information and phone numbers he shared, I checked with them (Gopi, Somaiah and others) and asked them to do the settlement. They sought for time citing COVID, and as the issue was not resolved even after 15 days, Pradeep again came to me and I then asked them to resolve issues immediately, as he was in financial distress." "This much has been his involvement in the issue...subsequently at some event, on my asking, Pradeep said his issue was solved and thanked me," Limbavali told reporters, adding that he knew Gopi, Somaiah and others as they are owners of a banquet hall in the city where party events or meetings are usually held.
The MLA said Pradeep had again called him on his mobile phone in August regarding some family dispute and said his wife had filed a case against him in Bellandur police station.
"As it is a family dispute, I don't want to go into detail... I had called the police station and asked them to try to amicably solve the issue and help them reach a compromise, by involving both parties if the wife agrees, and accordingly they had reached a compromise," he said.
Highlighting that dealing with such cases is normal to all MLAs on a daily basis, Limbavali said it is unfortunate that this issue has gone to this extent.
"Pradeep himself has said in the death note that after my intervention, the parties had agreed to give him about Rs 90 lakh. He has mentioned my name for inquiry. I have done pro-people work," the MLA said.
"...this doesn't mean I will stop helping people in the time of need, I will continue to do my bit to help people. We will have to face certain things in public life," Limbavali further said, as he clarified that he did not do any mediation, but asked the parties involved to reach a settlement.
ALSO WATCH: <a title="Bengaluru man shoots self over 'harassment' by BJP MLA and 5 others" href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/local/bengaluru-man-shoots-self-over-harassment-by-bjp-mla-and-5-others-1672651265760">Bengaluru man shoots self over 'harassment' by BJP MLA and 5 others</a>

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