Assam: Class X student deprived of attending online classes commits suicide

A 15-year-old student, who did not have a smartphone to attend online classes, was found dead in Chirang district in Assam, police said.

The body of the youth, a student of class X of Tukrajhar Higher Secondary School, was found hanging to a tree branch near his house at Salbari village under Runikhata Police Station in the district. Police recovered a suicide note in Bodo language from the incident spot.

The village head informed that the school authority had started online classes for the students since the educational institutions have remained closed since March 15^th, 2020.

“But, his family could not afford a smartphone to him to attend the online classes which created tremendous mental pressure, and consequently he went under severe depression,” the village head said.

It may be mentioned that on June 6^th, 2020, in West Jorhat Assam, near Bongalpukhuri Jayanar, one girl name Anaya Bordoloi (name changed) committed suicide. She hanged herself with a drape used for salwar kurta. The cause of death was her High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) or class 10 Boards result. She had received 1st Division with letter marks in 1 subject.

Also read: Assam: Jorhat girl commits suicide post HSLC result reveals mental stress of students

The incident has once again raised questions related to the mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown to prevent the spread of the virus.

The global health emergency caused by the COVID-19 has led to a nationwide complete lockdown. This has triggered an increase in mental health-related cases across the nation along with the rest of the world.

Frustration, anxiety, panic attacks, loss or sudden increase of appetite, depression, mood swings, insomnia, delusions, and suicidal tendencies have become quite common during the lockdown period. These tendencies are getting increasingly evident in Assam as well. “An upsurge in mental health-related cases has been observed of late in the state. CID has continuously been monitoring the matter,” said Assam Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta while adding that the Assam Police has already launched a Mental Health Helpline number.

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