India: Shunned by relatives, COVID-19 victim’s family commits suicide in Andhra Pradesh

Dubai: In another case of social stigma against COVID-19 patients and their families, the wife and two children of a man who died of COVID-19 ended their lives by jumping off a bridge in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday. Social media users are shocked by the incident that happened in Rajamundry city.

A Facebook user @shaheen commented: "These are times when you need to understand the importance of oneness among the family. People! Please take care of your loved ones."

According to police, after the death of the 52-year-old Narasaiah, who was infected with coronavirus four days ago, his family was depressed. They felt broken when their relatives and friends kept themselves away from the family.

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Another social media user @Gaurav posted: "It can happen to anyone. The world is already suffering to its maximum. when will they understand how to take care of each other?"

Reportedly, 50-year-old Parimi Suneetha, her 25-year-old son, Phanikumar, and 23-year-old daughter, Lakshmi Aparna jumped off the bridge into the Godavari river.

Facebook user @Parthiv said: “It’s such a shame. Even though people are educated, they never act like it. May their souls be at peace.”

According to a local media source, police recovered a suicide note from the car in which the three had come to the bridge. The note said that the family was a victim of the social stigma due to COVID-19, and decided to kill themselves.

Additionally, as the COVID-19 wave sweeps strongly across the country, mental health experts say the pandemic has triggered panic attacks among the people, causing bouts of depression, and has even driven some to the brink of suicide. Director of Institute of Mental Health states that towards April end about 3,632 calls were received and psychiatric counselling was provided to 2,603 callers.

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Officials added: "We have dedicated services at our centres in the districts and the calls meant for government medical college hospitals are routed to the respective institutions."

Experts feel that further worsening situations could lead to severe mental health issues.

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