Trigger warning: Attempt to suicide, depression
A Bengaluru woman was taken into custody on Friday, August 5, for throwing her four-year-old daughter from her fourth floor apartment. The police told TNM that the woman, identified as Sushma Bharadwaj, had been living with depression. Police also said that she tried to take her own life after throwing the child, which is when neighbours rescued her.
The child, Dhriti, died on the spot after she was thrown from the fourth floor of the apartment building located in the Sudhama Nagar neighbourhood in Sampangiramanagar's Srinivasa Colony. After throwing her child, Sushma attempted to take her own life by scaling the balcony railings, which is when one of the neighbours saw and rescued her. This was recorded on the apartment’s CCTV system.
According to the police, Sushma was sad that her daughter was living with a cognitive disability, and had on a previous account also tried to abandon her.
The woman was taken into custody after her husband filed a complaint against her. A case has now been registered under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code and further investigation is underway.
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
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 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 to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726