Suicide cases rise in Sudurpaschim, 55 deaths reported in Chait alone

Kailali: Suicide cases in Sudurpaschim Province have increased, with 55 people taking their own lives in the month of Chait alone. Police statistics indicate that suicide rates are higher among older age groups. Of the total cases, 28 individuals were between the ages of 10 and 30, with youth aged 14 to 28 identified within this group.

According to Sudurpaschim Province Police, a total of 421 people died by suicide between Shrawan and mid-Chait of the current fiscal year 2082/83, said Senior Superintendent of Police and spokesperson Padam Bahadur Bista. Among them, 127 were women, 199 men, 23 boys, and 72 girls.

On Tuesday, the Sudurpaschim Province Police Office in Kailali released a progress report for Chait, detailing various crime investigations and incidents. The report highlights a high number of economic crimes, drug-related offenses, and suicide cases. Age-wise data for suicides in Chait shows that 18 individuals were below 20 years, 10 were between 21 and 30, eight between 31 and 40, six between 41 and 50, and 13 above 50.

Spokesperson Bista stated that a total of 383 crime incidents were recorded during Chait, with economic crimes, drug abuse, and suicide cases being prominent. Statistics further show that, on average, four people die by suicide every three days in the Far West. The number has remained alarmingly high during the period from fiscal year 2079/80 to 2081/82.

Over the past three and a half years, 1,892 people have died by suicide in the province. According to Bista, key contributing factors include poverty, family disputes, mental health issues, illiteracy, changes in social relationships, and impulsive behavior.

In response to the growing crisis, a free helpline has been launched to help prevent suicides. Bista informed that individuals experiencing mental stress can contact the Nepal Government’s 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1166.

Tirtha Raj Bhatta, Chief of the Health Office in Baitadi, said that since poverty and mental health are major contributing factors, local governments should invest in addressing these issues to help prevent suicides.