The suicide of a 50-year-old man from Kerala’s Idukki district on December 20 has put the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in a spot of bother. Sabu Thomas, a vendor residing in Kattapana, was troubled over not being able to withdraw the money he deposited from a cooperative bank for the medical treatment of his wife Marykutty.
Police said he had left a suicide note accusing the bank secretary and two other staff members of insulting him. A Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by the Kattappana Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), will probe the case.
Following the death, Marykutty said that the police should add abetment sections in the First Information Report against VR Saji, CPI(M) leader and former bank president, bank secretary Reji, and two other bank employees Benoy and Sujamol.
She said that the behaviour of a bank employee and a threatening call from CPI(M) leader Saji had hurt Sabu. “Saji’s threats impacted him a lot. It is not only about him. Other board members are also part of it. They conducted several meetings with us and assured us it would be given in multiple phases. We need our money back and need to punish the culprits,” Marykutty told the media.
Minister of Irrigation of Kerala Roshy Augustine visited Sabu’s house and family on Sunday and assured them that they would get justice. Meanwhile, the Youth Congress conducted a black flag protest against the minister during his journey to Sabu’s house.
Recently an Additional District Magistrate (ADM) in Kannur died by suicide, after a CPI(M) leader raised an allegation that he accepted bribe for providing a No Objection Certificate.
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
Click here for working helplines across India.