A tragic incident unfolded on Gandhi Jayanti as a 52-year-old Mumbai businessman, identified as Philip Hitesh Shah, ended his life by jumping off the Atal Setu sea bridge. The incident occurred early in the morning on October 2nd, marking the second suicide on the bridge within a span of two days.
According to The Indian Express, Shah, a resident of Matunga, had been reportedly battling depression for several months. The Navi Mumbai police received a distress call around 9:00 am, informing them of an individual who had stopped his vehicle on the northbound stretch of the bridge, approximately 14.4 km from Navi Mumbai, and jumped into the sea.
A prompt response from the police led to the recovery of Shah’s body from the waters. He was rushed to the hospital, but unfortunately, was pronounced dead before receiving treatment. An investigation was launched, and police were able to identify Shah through his Aadhaar card found in his vehicle. Subsequently, his family was contacted.
A senior police officer confirmed that no suicide note was discovered at the scene. However, Shah’s wife revealed that her husband had been undergoing treatment for mental health issues, including depression. He had left his home around 8:00 am on October 2nd, informing his family that he was attending a function and would return shortly.
This incident follows the death of another individual, 40-year-old banker Sushant Chakravarti, who jumped off the same bridge on October 1st. His body was found washed ashore in Navi Mumbai. Chakravarti’s wife attributed his suicide to work-related pressure.
Both incidents have raised concerns about mental health issues and the need for increased awareness and support for individuals struggling with depression and other mental health challenges. The Mumbai police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding both suicides, with cases of accidental death registered in both instances. The tragic events highlight the importance of addressing mental health concerns and seeking professional help when needed.
