Less than a week after the Indian Navy released the pictures of the wreckage of the missing fishing vessel, Suvarna Tribhuja, with no sign of fishermen or their bodies, brother of one of the fishermen took his life by consuming poison.
Chandrashekar Mogera, a 30-year-old resident of Bhatkal in North Canara district, is said to have gone into depression after his brother, Ramesh Mogera, went missing at sea five months ago, on December 16, 2018.
According to a family member, Chandrashekar had consumed poison on May 10 but had not informed anyone about it. He collapsed in the toilet, after which he was rushed to a hospital in Bhatkal. He was kept under observation and later admitted to Adarsha hospital in Udupi district, but passed away on May 13.
“Chandrashekar had severe internal bleeding and was even given 20 bottles of blood. The poison had extensively damaged his liver and kidneys and he was in a critical condition. On Thursday, his pulses dropped and all attempts to revive him failed,” Dr G S Chandrashekar, Adarsha Hospital Medical Director, told the media.
Chandrashekar’s death comes as a double blow for his father Shaniyara Mogera. Meanwhile, Chandrashekar’s mother, who was bedridden after learning that Ramesh is missing, has not been informed about the death of her second son. Family members told that they will break the news slowly to her.
Chandrashekar was working as a fisherman in Bhatkal. He was known to be a hard worker. However, ever since he came to know that his brother went missing at sea, he had become quiet and stayed aloof. He did not venture into the sea for fishing and was devastated to see the condition of his parents, Chandrashekar’s relative Lokesh told the media. The news of the wreckage being found with no sign of the fishermen came as a shock to Chandrashekar, who was hoping that his brother will return, he added.
Shaniyara Mogera has five sons and two daughters. The entire family makes a living by fishing. Ramesh and Chandrashekar were both unmarried.
Suvarna Tribhuja and the seven fishermen aboard went for fishing from Malpe fishing harbour on December 13. The boat was reported missing on December 15. The Indian Navy found the wreckage off the Malvan coast in Maharashtra on May 3. However, there was no sign of fishermen: Laxman, Ravi, Harish, Satish, Ramesh from Uttara Kannada district and Chandrashekar and Damodhar of Udupi district.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Karnataka has a 24-hour helpline for those seeking help. Sahai in Karnataka: 24-hour helpline numbers: 080- 65000111, 65000222.