In Deoria, Uttar Pradesh a 21-year-old man, Asgar Ali, hanged himself while on a video call with his girlfriend. 

According to reports, Asgar was an electrician who had been in a relationship with the girl for over a year. The couple had plans to marry, but her family strongly opposed it, leading to tensions between them.

What happened?

Asgar and his girlfriend spoke on the phone the night before the incident for nearly five hours. During this an argument broke out between the two, escalating to a point where Asgar reportedly decided to end his life while still on the call. 

The girlfriend immediately informed Asgar’s father. The father rushed to his son’s room, slammed open the door, and tragically found Asgar hanging from the ceiling fan.

The family quickly contacted the local authorities, and a police team arrived at the scene. They immediately brought down the body and sent it for a post-mortem to confirm the cause of death. 

The police also seized Asgar's mobile phone for forensic analysis, hoping it would provide clarity about the events leading up to the tragic moment.

The authorities recorded the girlfriend’s statement, who is being questioned to understand more about the argument and the circumstances surrounding Asgar’s extreme decision. 

The police have not received any formal complaint from the deceased's family against the girl or her family.

While the exact reason for the suicide remains unclear, the authorities are investigating the role of the argument during the video call and its potential influence on his death. 

As the investigation continues, police have emphasized that the phone's forensic analysis could be crucial in shedding light on what transpired during those final moments.

Suicide prevention and helpline numbers 

In India, several suicide prevention measures are being implemented to address the rising mental health crisis. 

Key initiatives include 24/7 helplines like AASRA and the Vandrevala Foundation Helpline, which provide immediate support to those in distress. 

Awareness campaigns aim to reduce stigma and encourage individuals to seek help, expanding mental health services, training healthcare professionals, and integrating mental health education into school curricula are crucial steps being taken. 

These efforts, supported by government policies and community initiatives, strive to create a safer environment for those facing mental health challenges.

Here are some suicide prevention and mental health helpline numbers:

AASRA: +91-9820466726

Vandrevala Foundation Helpline: 1860 266 2345 / 1800 233 3330

iCall: +91-9152987821

Snehi: +91-9582208181

Manas: +91-9820466726

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to one of these helplines for support.

Help often starts at home creating a safe environment where your loved ones feel comfortable expressing their feelings is crucial but often overlooked.

Pay attention to the signs that someone may be struggling or asking for help. Kindness goes a long way, so always be kind and supportive.