Visakhapatnam stands second in the state in terms of suicide rate

With 177 suicidal cases, Visakhapatnam occupies the second place in Andhra Pradesh in terms of suicide rate as per National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report of 2015. Worse than the numbers is that the city does not maintain suicide prevention helplines.

Admitting that the suicide rate has been increasing in the city where youth are taking the decision of ending life abruptly, the DCP of Law and Order, K Fakeerappa, said,” Recently, we have seen a number of students committing suicides for their failure to get a good rank in the NEET, across the country. In around 25% of the total suicide cases reported from Visakhapatnam, the victims are students and youngsters.”

“It’s high time the city had at least one round-the-clock helpline exclusively for prevention of suicide. Every big city such as Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata have such facilities”, said the DCP.

Speaking about ‘Dial 100’, Police Control Room (PCR) Chief Inspector, Simhadri Naidu, said, “People with suicidal tendencies can call ‘Dial 100’. But it only registers a complaint. The duty officers need to put an extra effort to react responsibly to the callers seeking help. We try to give emotional support and send a team if the location of the caller is tracked.”

In terms of Penal Provisions, according to the Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), attempt to suicide is a criminal offense, which can attract a penalty of simple imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both.

“However, in most cases, the fine is minimal, around Rs 500”, said Naidu.

Crime Stopper (1090) and Crime Against Women and Children (1091) are helplines that are only meant for lodging complaints but provides no counselling.

The person who counsels through a helpline should be holding a degree in counselling or social work.

The team of Visakhapatnam Police which handles family-related issues work between 10 am and 5 pm every day at the women police station. The senior police officers feel that the service could be extended to the other police helplines for counselling callers with suicidal tendencies.

Credits: The Hindu