Chennai: Tamil Nadu has recorded the second highest number of suicides in 2021. Maharashtra topped the list, said an NCRB report.
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, Tamil Nadu reported 18,295 suicides. When compared to 2020, Tamil Nadu has noted a 0.5% increase in suicide rates. The number of suicides in the state is 11.5% of the national figure. Most of the suicides (8,073) are due to family disputes and issues.
Maharashtra reported 22,209 cases. Suicides due to family issues in the state are second to Tamil Nadu with 7,693 deaths.
Sukanya Nambiar, head of NGO SRADDHA, said the society is ostracising people who need support and they are stamped with the tag of mentally disturbed or mentally ill. The organisation offers a helpline for those with suicidal thoughts.
As per the data, 3,042 people in Karnataka and 2,469 people in Andhra Pradesh committed suicide due to illness. People from all areas of life have succumbed to suicide. 25.6% of the victims are daily wage earners and 14.1% are housewives. 12.3% self-employed people, 9.7% salaried people, 8.4% unemployed people, and 8% students are also among the victims.