Jump in suicides worries HP DGP

SHIMLA : The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of people of Himachal Pradesh. The weekly average of suicide cases increased to 25.25 in July 2020 as compared to January 2020, when the average was 10, as per police data.

So far, as many as 466 persons have committed suicide this year (Jan 1 to July 31). According to the data revealed by the police, 411(271 men and 140 women) out of 466 cases have been registered under Section 174 of the Crpc Act at various police stations of the state; while as many as 55 cases(20 men and 35 women) have been registered under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code.

Himachal Pradesh DGP Sanjay Kundu said that the increase in the number of suicide cases is a matter of concern and police has taken up this issue with state’s health and social justice and empowerment department to take up remedial measures to prevent suicide.