Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Arun revealed on Friday, July 7 that DIG Vijayakumar who died by suicide had been receiving treatment for depression for the past few years. Addressing the media outside the Coimbatore Government Hospital, Arun said, “I knew him well. His doctor said that he had been under a lot of stress during the past four days, which is why his family had also come to Coimbatore.”
Urging people to not make Vijayakumar’s death political, Arun exhorted everyone, “He has taken such a decision due to stress. There is no other reason. Do not make this political.”
Though The ADGP first claimed that he knew the deceased well, he also conceded that the police department came to know only now that Vijayakumar was undergoing treatment for mental illnesses.
Speaking about the deceased police officer, ADGP Arun said, “He served his duty with a lot of commitment. He has gotten only appreciation at all the places he has worked in. This is an unfortunate incident and we are all saddened by it.”
The ADGP also shed some light on Vijayakumar’s mental health struggles. He said, “Stress is different from depression. To treat depression, you need the help of doctors. He was undergoing counselling and medical treatment but despite that, this unfortunate incident happened. As far as I have investigated, there were no family issues. His wife and children were very loving to him. There is no work stress as well. Until yesterday, he was talking to all of us.”
Speaking about further police action in Vijayakumar’s death, the ADGP said, “A case has been registered and investigation is underway. So far, we see it as a death due to personal reasons. Other reasons, if any, will be known after the investigation is concluded.”
Vijayakumar was originally from Theni. According to police sources, on the day of his death, he walked from his residence to his camp office and, while entering the building, he demanded the service revolver of his gunman. The latter did obey, but was alarmed. A little later, he rushed inside only to find his boss dead. The incident took place at Vijayakumar’s official residence located in Red fields near Coimbatore race course.
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.