CHAPTER – 2

SUICIDES IN INDIA

Each suicide is a personal tragedy that Rate of suicides has been calculated using
prematurely takes the life of an individual and projected population for the non-census years
has a continuing ripple effect, dramatically whereas for the census year 2011, the
affecting the lives of families, friends and population in the Census 2011 Report was
communities. Every year, more than 1,00,000 used.
people commit suicide in our country. There are
various causes of suicides like A total of 1,39,123 suicides were reported in
professional/career problems, sense of the country during 2019 showing an increase of
isolation, abuse, violence, family problems, 3.4% in comparison to 2018 and the rate of
mental disorders, addiction to alcohol, financial suicides has increased by 0.2% during 2019
loss, chronic pain etc. NCRB collects data on over 2018. [LIST–2.1] The incidence and rate
suicides from police recorded suicide cases. of suicides during 2009-2019 is presented in
Table-2.1.

LIST–2.1
Number of Suicides, Growth of Population and Rate of Suicides during 2015 - 2019

Mid-Year Projected
Sl. Total Number of Rate of Suicides***
Year Population*
No. Suicides (Col.3/Col.4)
(in Lakh)+
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

1 2015 1,33,623 12,591.1 10.6

2 2016 1,31,008 12,739.9 10.3

3 2017 1,29,887 13091.6# 9.9

4 2018 1,34,516 13233.8# 10.2

5 2019 1,39,123 13376.1# 10.4

* Source: The Registrar General of India.

# Source: Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections (November, 2019), National Commission on
Population, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
+ One Lakh = 0.1 Million
*** Rate of Suicides = Incidence of suicides per one lakh (1,00,000) of population.

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [194]

Number and Percentage Share of Suicides
in States/UTs

The State/UT and City wise information on the remaining 24 States and 7 UTs. Uttar
the incidents of suicides, its percentage share Pradesh, the most populous State (16.9%
in total suicides and rate of suicides during the share of country population) has reported
year are presented in Table–2.2. comparatively lower percentage share of
suicidal deaths, accounting for only 3.9% of
Majority of suicides were reported in the total suicides reported in the country.
Maharashtra (18,916) followed by 13,493
suicides in Tamil Nadu, 12,665 suicides in The States which have witnessed
West Bengal, 12,457 suicides in Madhya significantly higher number of suicidal deaths
Pradesh and 11,288 suicides in Karnataka during the year 2017 to 2019 are presented in
accounting for 13.6%, 9.7%, 9.1%, 9.0% and the LIST–2.2. Each of these States have
8.1% of total suicides respectively. These 5 continuously accounted for about 8.0% or
States together accounted for 49.5% of the more of the total suicides reported in the
total suicides reported in the country. The country from 2017 to 2019.
remaining 50.5% suicides were reported in

FIGURE–2.1

State/UT wise Major Percentage Share of Suicides in States during 2019

Uttar Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh Odisha 3.3%
3.9%
4.6%

Chhattisgarh Other States/UTs

5.5% 16.1%

Gujarat 5.5%
Maharashtra
Telangana 5.5% 13.6%

Kerala 6.1% Tamil Nadu

Karnaktaka 9.7%
West Bengal
8.1%
Madhya Pradesh 9.1%
9.0%

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Note: OTHER STATES/UTs include Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir,
Jharkhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tripura, Uttarakhand, A & N Island,
Chandigarh, D & N Haveli, Daman & Diu, Delhi, Lakshadweep and Puducherry

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [195]

 FIGURE–2.2
STATE/UT – WISE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUICIDES DURING 2019

Number of Suicides

upto 50
51 to 300
301 to 2000
2001 to 10000
Above 10000

Map Powered by DevInfo, UNICEF

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [196]

 LIST–2.2
States with Higher Percentage Share of Suicides during 2017 to 2019

Sl. Year
No. 2017 2018 2019

1 Maharashtra (13.6%) Maharashtra (13.4%) Maharashtra (13.6%)

2 Tamil Nadu (11.1%) Tamil Nadu (10.3%) Tamil Nadu (9.7%)

3 West Bengal (9.2%) West Bengal (9.9%) West Bengal (9.1%)

4 Madhya Pradesh (9.1%) Madhya Pradesh (8.8%) Madhya Pradesh (9.0%)

5 Karnataka (9.0%) Karnataka (8.6%) Karnataka (8.1%)

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Chandigarh (18.1%), Arunachal Pradesh
Delhi, which is the most-populous UT, has (15.2%) and Jammu & Kashmir (13.9%)
reported the highest number of suicides (2,526) [Table–2.3, Figure-2.3].
among UTs, followed by Puducherry (493).
Remaining UTs together accounted for 2.2% of Rate of Suicides — Trend in States/UTs
total suicides in the country. A total of 22,390
suicides were reported in the 53 mega cities of Rate of suicides i.e. the number of suicides
the country during the 2019. per one lakh population, has been widely
accepted as a standard yardstick for
The States and UTs which have reported comparison. All India rate of suicides was 10.4
significant percentage increase in suicides in during the year 2019. A & N Islands reported
2019 over 2018 were Bihar (44.7%), Punjab the highest rate of suicide (45.5) followed by
(37.5%), Daman & Diu (31.4%), Jharkhand Sikkim (33.1), Puducherry (32.5), Chhattisgarh
(25.0%), Uttarakhand (22.6%) and Andhra (26.4) and Kerala (24.3) [Figure-2.4]. The
Pradesh (21.5%) while highest percentage details of States/UTs which have recorded
decrease was reported in Lakshadweep higher rate of suicides during 2017 to 2019 are
(100%), Himachal Pradesh (21.1%), given in LIST–2.3.

FIGURE–2.3
State/UT-wise Percentage Variation in Suicides during 2019 over 2018
60.0
44.7

37.5

31.4

40.0
25.0
21.5

22.6
18.2

13.9

12.7
11.5

10.6

10.4

20.0
8.3

5.8
5.3

4.8

4.6
3.9
1.2

1.1

0.0
Percentage Variation

0.0
-0.2
-0.4

-1.4
-1.8

-5.9
-2.2
-2.4

-2.9

-4.5
-11.4

-20.0
-13.9
-15.2

-18.1
-21.1

-40.0

-60.0

-80.0
TRIPURA
TELANGANA

UTTAR PRADESH

CHANDIGARH
ARUNACHAL PRADESH

HARYANA

JHARKHAND
KARNATAKA

MAHARASHTRA

NAGALAND

SIKKIM
TAMIL NADU
MADHYA PRADESH

DAMAN & DIU

LAKSHADWEEP
PUDUCHERRY
BIHAR

GUJARAT

RAJASTHAN
ANDHRA PRADESH

JAMMU & KASHMIR

D & N HAVELI
UTTARAKHAND

A & NISLANDS
GOA

MANIPUR
KERALA

MIZORAM
ASSAM

HIMACHAL PRADESH

MEGHALAYA

PUNJAB

WEST BENGAL

DELHI (UT)
ODISHA
CHHATTISGARH

States / UTs

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [197]

 FIGURE–2.4

Rate of Suicides in States/UTs during 2019

A & N ISLANDS 45.5
SIKKIM 33.1
PUDUCHERRY 32.5
CHHATTISGARH 26.4
KERALA 24.3
TELANGANA 20.6
TRIPURA 18.2
TAMIL NADU 17.8
D & N HAVELI 17.1
KARNATAKA 17.1
GOA 16.8
15.4
States / UTs

MAHARASHTRA
MADHYA PRADESH 15.1
HARYANA 14.5
WEST BENGAL 13.0
DELHI (UT) 12.7
ANDHRA PRADESH 12.4
GUJARAT 11.2
CHANDIGARH 11.1
DAMAN & DIU 10.9
ODISHA 10.5
HIMACHAL PRADESH 8.0
PUNJAB 7.9
ARUNACHAL PRADESH 7.4
ASSAM 6.9
MEGHALAYA 6.1
MIZORAM 5.9
RAJASTHAN 5.8 National Average 10.4
UTTARAKHAND 4.6
JHARKHAND 4.4
UTTAR PRADESH 2.4
JAMMU & KASHMIR 2.1
NAGALAND 1.9
MANIPUR 1.9
BIHAR 0.5
LAKSHADWEEP 0.0
0.0 10.0 20.0 30.0 40.0 50.0 60.0
Rate

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [198]

 FIGURE–2.5
STATE/UT - WISE SUICIDE RATE DURING 2019

Suicide Rate
All India Average 10.4
Note:
Suicide Rate means Number of Suicides per One Lakh population. upto 2
3 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 20
Above 20

• As per data provided by States/UTs. Map Powered by DevInfo, UNICEF

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [199]

 LIST–2.3
States/UTs with Higher Suicide Rate during 2017 to 2019

Year
2017 2018 2019
Puducherry 40.1 A & N Islands 41.0 A & N Islands 45.5
A & N Islands 35.6 Puducherry 33.8 Sikkim 33.1
Sikkim 32.9 Sikkim 30.2 Puducherry 32.5
Kerala 22.6 Kerala 23.5 Chhattisgarh 26.4
Chhattisgarh 22.5 Telangana 21.2 Kerala 24.3
National Rate (9.9) National Rate (10.2) National Rate (10.4)
• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Causes of Suicides (5.5%), ‘Love Affairs’ (4.5%), ‘Bankruptcy or

Indebtedness’ (4.2%), ‘Failure in Examination’
‘Family Problems’ and ‘Illness’ were the
and ‘Unemployment’ (2.0% each),
major causes of suicides which accounted for
‘Professional/Career Problem’ (1.2%) and
32.4% and 17.1% of total suicides
‘Property Dispute’ (1.1%) were other causes
respectively during 2019. ‘Drug Abuse/
of suicides [Table–2.4].
Addiction’ (5.6%), ‘Marriage Related Issues’

FIGURE–2.6
Percentage Share of Various Causes of Suicides During 2019

Impotency/ Causes Not Known,

Fall in Social Infertility, 0.3% 10.3%
Reputation, 0.4%
Other Causes, 11.1%
Suspected/Illicit
Relation , 0.5%
Poverty, 0.8%

Death of Dear Family Problems,

Person, 0.9% 32.4%

Property Dispute,
1.1%
Illness , 17.1%
Professional/Career
Problem, 1.2%

Unemployment,
2.0%
Failure in
Examination, 2.0%

Bankruptcy or
Indebtedness, 4.2%
Drug
Marriage Related Abuse/Alcoholic
Love Affairs, 4.5%
Issues, 5.5% Addiction, 5.6%

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

* Figure of Suicides due to ideological causes/hero worshiping, physical abuse (rape etc.) and illegitimate pregnancy included in
Other Causes.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [200]

 State and UT wise and City wise details Professional Status of Suicide Victims
on various causes of suicides are presented in
Table–2.5. The States/UTs which reported Details on professional status of suicide
more than the All-India average share under victims are presented in Table–2.6. House-
the two major causes of suicides i.e. ‘Family wives accounted for 51.5% of the total female
Problems’ and ‘Illness’ are grouped in the victims (21,359 out of 41,493) and constitute
LIST–2.4. nearly 15.4% of total victims who committed
suicides (21,359 out of 1,39,123) during 2019.
Suicide Victims by Sex and Age Group
Government servants accounted for 1.2%
Age group wise distribution of suicides by (1,684) as compared to 6.3% (8,730) from
causes during 2019 is presented in Table–2.0. Private Sector Enterprises out of 1,39,123 of
The overall male : female ratio of suicide total victims. Employees from Public Sector

LIST–2.4
States & UTs Reporting Higher Share of Suicides due to Illness
and Family Problems during 2019
Illness Family Problems
All India % Share
17.1% 32.4%
Sl. No. State/UT Suicides % Share Sl. No. State/UT Suicides % Share
1 Sikkim 100 45.5 1 Uttarakhand 394 76.4
2 A & N Islands 61 33.7 2 Odisha 2779 60.7
3 Andhra Pradesh 1845 28.5 3 Tripura 403 55.4
4 Karnataka 3166 28.0 4 Tamil Nadu 6843 50.7
5 Goa 72 27.8 5 D & N Haveli 41 43.2
6 Punjab 654 27.7 6 Telangana 3285 42.8
7 Puducherry 120 24.3 7 Kerala 3655 42.7
8 Kerala 1925 22.5 8 Uttar Pradesh 2208 40.4
9 Gujarat 1634 21.3 9 Manipur 23 39.7
10 Tripura 153 21.0 10 Bihar 234 36.5
11 Maharashtra 3507 18.5 11 Chandigarh 47 35.9
12 Tamil Nadu 2501 18.5 12 Madhya Pradesh 4363 35.0
13 Haryana 753 18.0 13 Himachal Pradesh 203 34.8
14 Madhya Pradesh 2225 17.9 14 Maharashtra 6334 33.5
15 Delhi (UT) 825 32.7
• As per data provided by States/UTs.

victims for the year 2019 was 70.2 : 29.8, Undertakings formed 1.7% (2,311), whereas
which is more as compared to year 2018 (68.5 students and un-employed victims accounted
: 31.5). The proportion of female victims were for 7.4% (10,335 victims) and 10.1% (14,019
more in ‘Marriage Related Issues’ (specifically victims) of total suicides respectively. Self-
in ‘Dowry Related Issues’), and employed category accounted for 11.6% of
‘Impotency/Infertility’. The age group (18 - total suicide victims (16,098 out of 1,39,123).
below 30 years) and persons of 30 years -
below 45 years of age were the most A total of 10,281 persons involved in
vulnerable groups resorting to suicides. These farming sector (consisting of 5,957
farmers/cultivators and 4,324 agricultural
age groups accounted for 35.1% and 31.8%
labourers) have committed suicides during
suicides respectively. 'Family Problems' 2019, accounting for 7.4% of total suicides
(2,468), ‘Failure in Examination’ (1,577), ‘Love victims (1,39,123) in the country. Out of 5,957
Affairs’ (1,297) and ‘Illness’ (923) were the farmer/cultivator suicides, a total of 5,563
main causes of suicides among children (below were male and 394 were female.
18 years of age).

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [201]

 Out of 4,324 suicides committed by
agricultural labourers during 2019, 3,749 were Certain States/UTs namely, West
male and 575 were female. Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Uttarakhand,
Manipur, Chandigarh, Daman & Diu, Delhi
UT, Lakshadweep and Puducherry reported
zero suicides of Farmers/Cultivators as well
as Agricultural Labourers.

FIGURE–2.7
Suicide Victims by Sex and Age Group during 2019

60 years & above 8302 2709 2

45 and above – below 60 years 20555 4881 0

30 and above – below 45 years 33518 10765 4

18 and above – below 30 years 30833 17930 11

below 18 years 4405 5208 0

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Male Female Transgender

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

FIGURE–2.8
Percentage Distribution of Suicide Victims by Profession During 2019

Retired Persons,
0.9%
Other
Students, 7.4% Persons,
14.7% Daily Wage
Persons Earner, 23.4%
Engaged in
Farming Sector,
7.4% House wife,
15.4%
Professionals/
Salaried
Persons, 9.1%

Unemployed Self-employed
Persons, 10.1% Persons, 11.6%

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [202]

 Out of total 97,613 male suicides, Karnataka (9.7%), West Bengal (8.2%) and
maximum suicides were committed by daily Madhya Pradesh (7.8%). Majority of victims
wage earners (29,092) followed by self- engaged in farming sector were reported in
employed persons (14,319) and Unemployed Maharashtra (38.2%), Karnataka (19.4%),
Persons (11,599). A total of 41,493 females Andhra Pradesh (10.0%), Madhya Pradesh
committed suicides during 2019 in the (5.3%) and Chhattisgarh & Telangana (4.9%
country. Of females who committed suicides, each).
highest number (21,359) was of house-wives
followed by students (4,772) and daily wage Social Status of Suicide Victims
earners (3,467). A total of 17 transgender
Social Status of victims is classified in
have committed suicide. Out of 17
seven categories namely ‘Un-married’,
transgender, 4 each were ‘Unemployed
‘Married’, ‘Widowed/Widower’, ‘Divorcee’,
Persons’ and ‘Daily Wage Earners’, 2 were
‘Separated’, ‘Others’ and ‘Status Not Known’.
‘Self-employed Persons’, 1 was ‘Students’
while 6 fall under 'Other’ category. The information on the social status of
suicide victims is presented in Table–2.8(I). It
State/UT-wise and profession wise is observed that 66.7% (92,757 out of
analysis of suicide victims is presented in 1,39,123) of the suicide victims were married
Table–2.7. Majority of suicides committed by while 23.6% were un-married (32,852).
house-wives were reported in Madhya Widowed/Widower, Divorcees and Separated
Pradesh (2,938 out of 21,359 suicides) have accounted for 1.8% (2,472 victims),
followed by Maharashtra (2,737 suicides) and 0.7% (997 victims) and 0.7% (963 victims) of
Tamil Nadu (2,025 suicides) which accounted total suicide victims respectively during 2019.
for 13.8%, 12.8% and 9.5% of total such
suicides during 2019 respectively. Majority of The State/UT-wise information on the
suicides committed by government servants social status of suicide victims is presented in
were reported in Tamil Nadu (200 out of 1,684 Table–2.9.
suicides) followed by Maharashtra (186
suicides), Rajasthan (166 suicides), Economic Status of Suicide Victims
Karnataka (135 suicides) and Madhya
Pradesh (132 suicides) which accounted for The information on the economic status of
11.9%, 11.0%, 9.9%, 8.0% and 7.8% of total suicide victims is presented in Table–2.8(II).
such suicides respectively. Majority of 66.2% (92,083) of suicide victims in 2019
suicides committed by persons engaged in were having annual income of less than `1
Private Sector Enterprises were reported in lakh. 29.6% (41,197) of suicide victims belong
Maharashtra (1,807 out of 8,730 suicides), to annual income group of ‘`1 lakh to less
Tamil Nadu (1,237 suicides), Gujarat (776 than `5 lakh’. The State/UT wise information
suicides), Karnataka (749 suicides) and on the Economic Status of suicide victims is
Madhya Pradesh (688 suicides), they presented in Table–2.10.
accounted for 20.7%, 14.2%, 8.9%, 8.6% and
7.9% of total such suicides respectively. Of Educational Status of Suicide Victims
total suicides committed by students, 14.4%
were reported in Maharashtra (1,487 suicides) The sex-wise and education-wise break-
followed by 9.0% in Madhya Pradesh (927 up of suicide victims is presented in Table-
suicides), 8.8% in Tamil Nadu (914 suicides), 2.8(III). The maximum numbers of suicide
6.5% in Karnataka (673 suicides) and 5.8% in victims (23.3%) (32,427) were educated up to
Uttar Pradesh (603 suicides). Majority of Matriculation/ Secondary level, whereas
suicides committed by un-employed persons, Middle level educated accounted for 19.6%
14.0% were in Kerala (1,963 out of 14,019 (27,323), Primary educated (16.3%) (22,649),
suicides), 10.8% in Maharashtra (1,511 Hr. Secondary / Intermediate/Pre-University
suicides), 9.8% in Tamil Nadu (1,368 educated (14.0%) (19,508) and Illiterate
suicides), 9.2% in Karnataka (1,293 suicides) (12.6%) (17,588). Only 3.7% (5,185 out of
and 6.1% in Odisha (858 suicides). Majority of 1,39,123 victims) of total suicide victims were
suicides committed by persons engaged in graduates and above.
business activities were reported by
Maharashtra (14.2%), Tamil Nadu (11.7%),

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [203]

 FIGURE–2.9
Distribution of Suicide Victims by Social Status during 2019

Un-Married 21638 11202 12

Married 66815 25941 1

Widowed/Widower 1378 1094 0

Divorcee 595 402 0

Separated 672 290 1

Others 1918 700 2

Status Not Known 4597 1864 1

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Male Female

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

FIGURE–2.10
Percentage Share of Suicide Victims by Educational Status during 2019

Professionals
(MBA, etc.), 0.2%

Graduate & Status Not

above, 3.7% Known, No Education,
8.9% 12.6%
Diploma, 1.2%

Higher Secondary Primary Level,

Level , 14.0% 16.3%

Matriculate/ Middle Level,

Secondary Level , 19.6%
23.3%

• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [204]

 LIST–2.5
Percentage of Suicide Victims by Educational Level during 2017 – 2019
Percentage Share
Sl. No. Educational Level
2017 2018 2019
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)
1 No Education 13.0 12.7 12.6
2 Primary Level 16.3 17.1 16.3
3 Middle Level 19.4 19.5 19.6
4 Matriculate/Secondary Level 23.6 23.6 23.3
5 Higher Secondary Level 15.9 16.4 14.0
6 Diploma 1.2 1.1 1.2
7 Graduate & above 3.5 3.3 3.7
8 Professionals (MBA etc.) 0.3 0.3 0.2
9 Status Not Known 6.8 6.0 8.9
10 Total 100.0 100.0 100.0
• As per data provided by States/UTs.

The State/UT wise information on the As mode adopted by suicide victims, the
Education Status of suicide victims is share of ‘Fire/Self Immolation’ (from 4.4% to
presented in Table–2.11. 3.8%) and ‘By Poison’ (from 26.7% to 25.8%)
has decreased while shares of ‘Hanging’ (from
Out of 32,427 suicides committed by
51.5% to 53.6%), ‘By Drowning (from 4.9% to
persons educated up-to matriculate/secondary
5.2%), and ‘By Touching Electric Wire’ (from
level, 17.6% were reported in Maharashtra
0.4% to 0.5%) have increased during 2019 over
followed by Kerala & Tamil Nadu (10.4% each)
2018. [LIST–2.6]
and Karnataka (8.6%). Out of 27,323 suicides
committed by persons educated up-to middle The sex-wise break-up and means adopted
level, 14.1% were reported in Maharashtra for suicide in various States/UTs is presented
followed by Tamil Nadu (11.5%) and Madhya in Table–2.13.
Pradesh (10.4%). Out of 17,588 suicides
committed by persons with no education 16.1% LIST–2.6
were reported in Telangana followed by Percentage of Means/Mode Adopted by Victims to Commit
Madhya Pradesh (12.2%) and Andhra Pradesh Suicide during 2018-2019
(9.7%) [Table–2.11]. SL.
Means/Mode Adopted
Percentage & Number
2018 2019
(1) (2) (3) (4)
1 Consuming Sleeping Pills 0.7% (939) 0.5% (753)
Percentage share of suicide victims by 2 Drowning 4.9% (6,579) 5.2% (7,208)
educational level during 2017-19 is presented in 3 Fire/Self Immolation 4.4% (5,950) 3.8% (5,234)
LIST–2.5. 4 Firearms 0.4% (521) 0.3% (428)
5 By Hanging 51.5% (69,306) 53.6% (74,629)
Means Adopted for Committing Suicides 6 By Poison 26.7% (35,862) 25.8% (35,882)
7 By Self inflicting Injury 0.6% (772) 0.6% (828)
The means adopted for committing suicide 8 By Jumping 1.9% (2,557) 1.5% (2,034)
varied from the easily available and effective By Coming under Running
9 2.9% (3,848) 2.4% (3,337)
Vehicles/Trains
means such as consumption of poison, 10 By Touching Electric Wire 0.4% (565) 0.5% (752)
jumping etc. to more painful means such as 11 By Other Means 5.7% (7,617) 5.8% (8,038)
self-inflicted injuries, hanging etc. Like previous 12 Total 100.0 100.0
Note: Bracket ( ) refer to Number of victims who have committed suicides
year, ‘Hanging’ (53.6%), consuming ‘Poison’
(25.8%), ‘Drowning’ (5.2%) and ‘Fire/Self- • As per data provided by States/UTs.
Immolation’ (3.8%) were the prominent
means/mode of committing suicide. [Table– The number of male victims were more
2.12] than females in all means of suicide except
those who committed suicides by ‘Fire/Self-
Percentage share of the means adopted in immolation’ where share of female victims was
committing suicide during 2018-19 is presented more (3,295 out of 41,493).
in LIST–2.6.

Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [205]

Suicides in Cities However, a total of 887 victims have committed
suicide in 53 mega cities due to ‘Marriage
City refers to mega city i.e. city having
Related Issues’ accounting for 4.0% of total
population of 10,00,000 or more.
suicides in the cities.
The numbers of suicides in 53 mega cities
Mass/Family Suicides
show an increasing trend during 2016 to 2019.
It increased by 1.7% (to 21,240) in 2017 and This section provides information on the
increased by 0.8% (to 21,408) in 2018. It number of cases where family members have
increased by 4.6% (to 22,390) in 2019. Details committed suicide jointly. Mass/Family Suicides
on year-wise incidents in cities, percentage were reported in 11 States during the year
share to All-India, rate of suicides and 2019. State/UT & City-wise information on
percentage change during 2016 - 2019 may be mass/family suicides is presented in Table–
seen in LIST–2.7. 2.14.

LIST–2.7
Incidence of Suicides in Mega-Cities, percentage share to All-India, rate of suicides and
percentage change over previous year during 2016 – 2019
Year Suicides in Cities Share to Rate % Variation over Previous
Cities All India in Cities Year (Incidence)

2016 20,879 15.9 13.0 6.2

2017 21,240 16.4 13.2 1.8
2018 21,408 15.9 13.3 0.8
2019 22,390 16.1 13.9 4.6
• As per data provided by States/UTs.

Out of the Mega Cities, the four

Metropolitan Cities — Chennai (2,461), Delhi A total of 72 cases of mass/family suicides
City (2,423), Bengaluru (2,081) and Mumbai were registered during the year 2019. In these
(1,229) have reported higher number of suicides, a total of 180 persons, comprising of
suicides. These four cities together have 126 married persons and 54 unmarried persons,
reported almost 36.6% of the total suicides lost their lives.
reported from 53 mega cities. Bengaluru City
Maximum cases of mass/family suicides
has shown a slight decline during 2019 over
were reported in Tamil Nadu (16 cases)
2018. Chennai has shown an increase of
followed by Andhra Pradesh (14 cases), Kerala
17.1% (from 2,102 suicides to 2,461 suicides),
(11), Punjab (9 cases) and Rajasthan (7 cases)
Mumbai 4.7% (from 1,174 suicides to 1,229
during 2019 with a total 43 persons in Tamil
suicides) and Delhi City has observed an
Nadu, 36 persons in Andhra Pradesh, 24
increase of 2.3% (from 2,369 suicides to 2,423
persons in Kerala and 22 persons in Rajasthan
suicides). [Table–2.3]
losing lives. [Table–2.14]
The suicide rate in cities (13.9) was higher Out of 53 cities, mass/family suicides were
as compared to All-India suicide rate (10.4). reported in 3 cities. These three cities have
Kollam followed by Asansol have reported the registered 10 cases of mass/family suicides in
highest suicides rate of 41.2 and 37.8 which 23 persons have committed suicides
respectively. [Table–2.2]. during 2019. Among these persons, 21 were
married and 2 were unmarried persons.
'Family Problems (other than marriage [Table–2.14]
related issues)' was the major cause of suicide
in cities which accounted for 37.2% (8,343)
followed by ‘Illness’ (17.1%) (3,829) victims out
of 22,390 victims.

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Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India 2019 [206]