100 cases of suicide, 1,500 complaints of domestic violence in Ludhiana during lockdown: Police

Ludhiana Police on Sunday revealed that the number of suicide and domestic violence cases in the city have risen during the lockdown, with a total of 100 cases of suicide and 1,500 complaints of domestic violence being registered by the police in this duration, dramatically up from 60 and 850 respectively before the lockdown.

Ludhiana: A hike is witnessed in suicide and domestic violence cases in Ludhiana during the lockdown with 100 cases of suicide and 1500 domestic violence complaints registered during the period, said Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Akhil Chaudhary.

"Suicide and domestic violence cases have increased during lockdown in Ludhiana,Punjab. 60 suicide cases and 850 complaints of domestic violence were reported before lockdown this year. During lockdown,100 cases of suicide and 1500 domestic complaints have been registered," said DCP Akhil Chaudhary.

The police further attributed the surge in cases of suicide and domestic violence to depression, unemployment and financial problems.

"It has also been seen that suicidal tendency is increasing among people between 30-40 age group," he added.

On the other hand, Dr Nidhi Agarwal assistant professor of clinical psychologist department, CMC Hospital said that some COVID-19 patients are going through tough times while undergoing treatment or quarantine process.

"COVID-19 patients are undergoing trauma and there caregivers are also under a lot of pressure. For example if a person is in quarantine at home, neighbours pass comments," said Dr Nidhi.

" The mental health of a COVID-19 patient and his family members is being compromised amid the current situation. Symptoms of people having OCD have also been increased," she added.

There has been a rise in the number of domestic violence cases, Dr. Nidhi informed.

"Now that people do not go out, they are staying in a close space which might result in arguments with other family members, further escalating to conflicts and domestic violence," she said.

Last month, a data compiled by a group of researchers revealed that suicide was the leading cause for over 300 “non-coronavirus deaths” reported in India due to distress triggered by the nationwide lockdown.

According to the data, 80 people killed themselves due to loneliness and fear of being tested positive for the virus. The suicides are followed by migrants dying in accidents on their way back home (51), deaths associated with withdrawal symptoms (45), and those related to starvation and financial distress (36).

ANI