Chennai: Woman's suicide bid at airport foiled

Chennai: A 28-year-old woman allegedly attempted suicide on Friday along with her one-year-old boy at Chennai international airport in Meenambakkam, police said. The incident reportedly occurred inside the airport around 12 noon on Friday.

The woman identified as A. Mariammal, native of Cuddalore, and her one-year-old son, had reached the airport on Thursday evening.

According to airport officials, the woman had been loitering inside the airport since Thursday evening, and when questioned her, she said she had come to pick up her husband who was scheduled to arrive at the Chennai airport.

On Friday morning, she allegedly tied her baby tightly to herself using her saree.She went to the second floor of the airport and allegedly tried to jump off. But, airport officials and passengers there prevented   her from doing so. She was then given first aid at the airport.

Questioned about her action, the woman cried and maintained silence. Police, however, inspected her bag and found her Aadhaar card and other personal information.

Investigations revealed that the woman’s husband identified as Ashok Kumar had died in a bike accident a few days ago,  and depressed over the death, the woman attempt suicide.

Police also suspect the woman to be mentally-retarded, as she behaved unusually. The Meenambakkam police and airport officials sent the mother and baby to Selvi Memorial home, at Teynampet.Information was also sent to the woman’s family, said an official.