The Karnataka police recovered the body of 52-year-old businessman BM Mumtaz Ali from Mangaluru, who was reported missing from Sunday, October 6. Mumtaz Ali is the younger brother of former Mangaluru City North Congress MLA BA Mohiuddin Bava. The police found Mumtaz’s damaged car near the Kuloor bridge on National Highway 66 along the Phalguni river and carried out a search operation.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Police Commissioner Anupam Agrawal said that Mumtaz left his home at 3 am, drove around the city in his BMW, and collided with another vehicle. He also left a voice message in his family’s WhatsApp group saying he would not return. “By 5 am, he had parked the car near the bridge and has been missing ever since, raising suspicion that he took his own life,” the Commissioner added.
Teams from the Karnataka State Disaster Response Force and the Indian Coast Guard were deployed to search for Mumtaz in the river and nearby areas.
Mumtaz was involved in the export business. He was also an office-bearer in the Muslim Central Committee of the district. According to reports, he had mentioned a name in his WhatsApp message. Police are probing all angles, including business rivalry and personal conflicts.
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.
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
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
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
Click here for working helplines across India.