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At a time when Covid-19 pandemic is taking heavy toll on the lives of people, an increase in suicide cases in Bhubaneswar during the lockdown has become a major cause of concern.
The Odisha capital has witnessed a marginal increase in suicide cases in the first half of 2021 compared to the corresponding period last year. While a total of 142 suicides were reported between January and June last year, the figure increased to 151 during the same period this year.
According to sources, Bhubaneswar registered 310 suicides throughout the year in 2020 of which 142 were reported between January and June. In 2019, 220 suicide cases were reported in the Capital city.
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This year, 151 persons have died by suicide till June. The city witnessed 16 and 22 suicides respectively in the month of May and June when the lockdown was in force in view of Covid-19.
“Suicide has emerged as a major problem in the modern society. In the first six months of 2021, around 150 suicide cases have been reported,” said Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Umashankar Dash.
Speaking about possible reason for suicides, the DCP said, “One person takes the extreme step when he/she does not get assistance or support in time. The victim may not able to share his/her problems with any others. It is one of the major reasons of suicide.”
Meanwhile, physiologists emphasised on counselling of people suffering from mental pressure to avoid suicide.
Physiologist Dr Amrit Pattajoshi said, “The lockdown imposed in view of Covid has resulted in many types of physiological issues. Suicide is an end product or end result of a mental illness.”
There are many reasons for suicide like family or personnel problem. This apart, loss of employment during lockdown, isolation from social life and fear of contracting Covid-19 also drives many to suicide.
Today, a woman was rescued while attempting to commit suicide by jumping into the Kuakhai river on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.
The woman from Laxmisagar area allegedly attempted to end her life due to police inaction. She alleged that though she had lodged a complaint at Mancheswar police station after being tortured by her sister-in-law, no step had been taken by the police.
