A 33-year-old woman died by suicide at the newly inaugurated Multi-Level Car Parking (MLCP) in Chennai Airport on Friday evening. The airport police have identified the woman as Ayshwarya Balaji, a resident of Pozhichalur.
An official from the S2 airport police station told TNM that Ayshwarya, along with her two children, a 14-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, went to watch a movie at the newly inaugurated Aerohub multiplex within the airport premises. After the movie began, she told her children that she wanted to use the restroom. However, she exited the multiplex and walked to the six-storied MLCP that was inaugurated in February 2023.
The airport police official said, “She went to the fourth floor and tried to jump. A few drivers from the road spotted her climbing the wall. They called security, but she jumped before anyone could reach or stop her.”
Security officials who were alerted by the drivers informed the airport police that she died on the spot with severe injuries. An hour after Ayshwarya left the multiplex, her children were identified by the police as they were looking for her in and around the multiplex complex.
“We have informed her husband Balaji and her children are with their family,” the official added.
The airport police have sent her body to the government hospital in Chrompet and have registered a complaint. The official also confirmed that the police have not found a suicide note yet and that they are investigating the reason behind the suicide.
This is the second case of suspected suicide in Chennai airport. On March 3, 2022, a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable from Rajasthan, died by suicide at the international airport. He had reportedly shot himself with his rifle inside a restroom, while he was on duty.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State Health Department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana's suicide prevention (tollfree) number: 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and for those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.