BENGALURU: A 31-year-old homemaker, L Mamata, took her own life last week in her Bagalagunte residence, north Bengaluru, following a distressing ordeal involving harassment and blackmail by former schoolmates. Mamata, who was married to food delivery executive Lokesh and had a two-year-old son, left behind a suicide note in Kannada attributing her decision to two individuals named Ashok and Ganesh.
The note, which read, “If something happens to me, Ashok and Ganesh are responsible,” indicated that Mamata had been subjected to ongoing harassment by these former schoolmates. According to police, Ashok and Ganesh had been sending lewd messages and making threats, which reportedly included demands for personal favors and attempts to disrupt Mamata’s family life.
The tragic incident was discovered when Lokesh, unable to reach his wife, informed a neighbor about her unresponsiveness. The neighbor, upon looking through the window, found Mamata hanging and their child asleep in the house.
Police are currently investigating the case and have taken note of the suicide note. The community is in shock as they await further details on the investigation and the actions that will be taken against the accused individuals.
If you are feeling suicidal or have suicidal thoughts, please know that you are not alone and there is help available. You can call any of the following helpline numbers in India to talk to someone who will listen to you and support you.
1. National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1800-121-3667. This is a toll-free number that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones
2. Aasra: 9820466726. This is a 24/7 helpline that offers non-judgmental and non-critical listening to anyone who needs emotional support
3. iCall: 022-25521111. This is a helpline run by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences that offers professional counselling, information and referrals to anyone in need of mental health care. It operates from Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm
Please do not hesitate to reach out to any of these helplines if you are feeling suicidal. You are valuable and your life matters.