A 35-year-old man died by suicide on Saturday, June 3, hours after filing a complaint against his colleagues for caste-based harassment. Vivek Raj – an alumnus of NIFT Bengaluru – had been working in Bengaluru for the past ten years. Vivek Raj belonged to the Chamar community categorised under the Scheduled Caste (SC).
Vivek Raj was employed at Lifestyle International Private Limited in Yemalur. The Whitefield police have now registered a case of abetment to suicide against reporting manager Malathi, and colleagues Kumar Suraj, and Nithesh Kumar. The FIR was filed based on a complaint by Vivek's father, Rajkumar, on Sunday, June 4.
According to the FIR, Vivek had been subjected to mental harassment for several months and casteist slurs were hurled at him. Despite approaching his seniors at the office, no action was taken. Vivek was seeking therapy for emotional distress. On June 3, Vivek Raj had filed a complaint at the Marathahalli police station earlier on June 3 and he died by suicide later in the day.
Vivek Raj's complaint with the Marathahalli police stated that he was being harassed by his colleagues Malti S and Nitish Kumar for being from a lowered caste and they used casteist slurs against him. In his complaint, he said, “When I complained to the HR, Kumar Suraj of the company, no action was taken. Hence I request you to take appropriate action against them.” The police had filed an FIR on June 3 invoking various sections of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726