10 lake suicide bids foiled every month
Most of the suicide attempts take place early in the morning or in the evening
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2014-08-10 01:29 GMT
Hyderabad: Tragic as it may seem, the historic Hussainsagar lake has gained notoriety as a spot for suicides, with as many as 130 people jumping into the water in an attempt to end their lives. However, 110 people were saved by the lake police who pulled them out before they could drown.
Lake police records say that on an average, the cops rescue at least 10 people each month. Police have identified three main spots where the suicide attempts are made, the Tank Bund, Children's Park and Lepakshi. The cops keep an eye on these spots round the clock. On Friday, a 45-year old superintendent in the department of agriculture and cooperation was rescued from the lake by two police constables after he attempted to end his life.
“Some people need to be pulled out of the water, while others are stopped before they can jump into the lake,” said police inspector P. Janakamma
Most of the suicide attempts take place early in the morning or in the evening. “Among the people we rescued, a majority were seen making the attempt either before 7 am or in the evening after 6 pm,” said the inspector.
Police can spot those making a suicide attempt by observing their movements and activities.
“Before jumping into the water, many are seen crying. Some people are quite freaked out,” said a beat constable of the lake police. He added that many cry for help after jumping into the water.
After the rescue, police provides counselling with the help of NGO officials, and call the family members of the person rescued. Lake Police says after a failed suicide bid at the Hussainsagar, people do not pick the lake to try and end their life again. Apart from having a near death experience, the dirty water of the lake usually horrifies them, said a police officer.
Psychologists say that a sizeable number of people choose the Hussainsagar since it is a public place and the chance of death in the lake is minimal. Many believe that if god wants them to live, someone will pull them out.
“When I was counselling a girl, who was rescued by the lake police after she jumped into the water, she told me the same,” said Dr K. Prashant, a clinical psychologist from Yashoda hospital.