In a tragic turn, AI engineer Atul Subhash Modi from a Bengaluru-based company succumbed to the overwhelming pressure and ended his own life. Before his death, he shared a 1-hour-and-20-minute video and left behind a 24-page note. In this note, Atul accused his wife, Nikita Singhania, and her family of being responsible for his plight.
Atul's suicide note reveals that Nikita and her family had filed nine cases against him, including charges of domestic violence, attempted murder, and dowry harassment. Married in 2019, Atul claimed the demands for money from Nikita and her family started soon after their union.
Within the video, Atul expressed his despair, believing that the money he earned was only strengthening his adversaries. He lamented that the money from his taxes would support a system that harassed him and his loved ones, underscoring the need to end this cycle.
The essence of Atul's torment seems to be the false cases allegedly filed by his wife and her relatives, driving him to the drastic decision of suicide.
Atul's story is not isolated. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 700,000 people take their lives globally every year. Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death worldwide. In India, the numbers continue to rise annually.
Men Die More by Suicide than Women
NCRB data starkly illustrates that men outnumber women significantly in suicide statistics.
Data spanning two decades reveals that of every ten individuals who commit suicide in India, six to seven are men. Between 2001 and 2022, the annual number of female suicides consistently ranged between 40,000 and 48,000, whereas male figures surged from 66,000 to over 100,000.
In 2022 alone, over 170,000 people in India ended their own lives, with more than 122,000 being men. This equates to roughly 336 males per day, suggesting that every four and a half minutes, a man takes his life.
This is not just an Indian phenomenon; globally, men are more likely to commit suicide. As per WHO, out of every 100,000 men, 12.6 end their lives, while the rate for women is 5.4.
Source: aajtak
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NCRB's 2022 report highlights that individuals aged 30-45 are most prone to suicide, followed by those aged 18-30, and then 45-60.
Last year, 54,351 individuals aged 30-45 committed suicide, of whom approximately 77% were men. Similarly, among the 59,108 suicides in the 18-30 age group, 65% were men. In the 45-60 age range, over 82% of the 31,921 suicides were also men.
The report also reveals that most people who commit suicide are married. Last year, 114,485 married individuals took their lives, with around 74% being men.
Why Do People Choose Suicide?
The reasons for suicide vary greatly. Experts suggest that depression and stress are leading triggers, with medical issues also playing a significant role. Often, lacking alternatives to escape their troubles, individuals see suicide as the only option.
NCRB reports cite family problems and illness (including AIDS, cancer) as the most common reasons for suicides. Last year, 32% were due to family issues, and 19% due to illness.
In 2022, marital problems drove 8,164 individuals to suicide, 52% of whom were men.
Source: aajtak
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Why Are Men More Prone to Suicide?
A 2011 research sought to understand why men commit suicide more frequently than women. It discovered that societal perceptions of men as strong and resilient often prevent them from sharing their struggles with others, eventually leading to desperate acts.
A 2003 European study revealed that unemployment increases the risk of male suicides, as it challenges their role as family and societal providers.
Additionally, addiction to alcohol and drugs is also cited as a reason, given that substance abuse heightens suicidal tendencies.
Is Attempting Suicide a Crime?
The debate around whether attempting suicide is a crime continues. Historically, it was, under the IPC (Indian Penal Code). However, there's no provision for it now in the Indian legal system. Section 224 speaks about punishment for obstructing public servants but does not criminalize suicide attempts.
The Mental Healthcare Act 2017, Section 115, offers relief to those attempting suicide due to stress, affirming that if it is proven they were under severe stress, no punishment can be enforced.
Ultimately, suicide is a severe psychological and societal issue. If you or anyone you know faces such challenges, reach out to friends, family or seek professional help. Timely advice could be a lifesaver.
