The suicide rate in Andhra Pradesh is above the national average as per the National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report of 2015. It further says that Visakhapatnam stands second among the major cities in the State, with 177 cases and more disturbing than these numbers is that the Port City has no suicide prevention helplines.
The police administration is also admitting that the suicide is on the rise and the youth are increasingly resorting to the extreme steps.
‘Exam pressure’
“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,” says DCP (Law and Order) K. Fakkeerappa.
“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,” says Police Control Room (PCR) Chief Inspector Simhadri Naidu.
Penal provision
However, as per the Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) attempt to suicide is a criminal offence which can attract a penalty of simple imprisonment up to one year, fine, or both. “In most cases, the fine is minimal, around ₹500, adds Mr. Naidu.
Helplines such as Crime Stopper (1090) and Crime Against Women and Children (1091) are again meant for lodging complaints only with no facility of counselling.
The helplines that facilitate counselling usually has a person with a degree in counselling or social work.
Further, there is no communication from the State bodies on using the ‘100’ as a suicide prevention helpline.
Moreover, the team of counsellors with the Visakhapatnam Police who handle family related issues work from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the women police station. Senior police officers feel that the counselling service can be extended to the existing police helplines for handling callers with suicidal tendencies.
“Sometimes all it takes is a sensible conversation to change the suicidal thoughts. That’s the main reason why the round-the-clock concept is essential. Unfortunately, there is none in the State,” senior psychologist Dr. NN Raju says.
