Class 5 Girl Dies by Suicide in Surat
SURAT: A tragic incident in Surat’s Varachha area has raised fresh concerns over the growing vulnerability of children to emotional and psychological distress after a Class 5 student died by suicide...
SURAT: A tragic incident in Surat’s Varachha area has raised fresh concerns over the growing vulnerability of children to emotional and psychological distress after a Class 5 student died by suicide at her home while her parents were away at work.
The incident occurred at Sahjanand Society, where the girl lived with her parents and three siblings. Police have begun an investigation to determine what may have prompted the child to take the extreme step at such a young age.
According to the family, Vijay Kushwaha and his wife had left for work as usual, leaving their four children at home. In the evening, the mother returned to take the children to their tuition classes. However, she found the house locked from inside.
After neighbours were called and the door was opened, the girl was found unresponsive inside the house. She was immediately taken down and rushed for medical assistance, but doctors declared her dead.
Her father, Vijay, said the family was unable to understand what could have led to the tragedy.
“My wife and I had gone to work as usual. All four children were at home. We cannot understand why our daughter took such a step in our absence,” he said.
Police have started an investigation and are speaking to family members and others to establish the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
The incident has also highlighted concerns about mental health among children and adolescents. Dr Kamlesh Dave, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at New Civil Hospital, said cases of serious emotional distress among youngsters are a growing concern.
“The incidence of suicide among children and adolescents is on the rise. Conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders and ADHD are increasing, and these can sometimes lead to impulsive actions,” Dave said.
Experts stress that changes in a child’s behaviour, mood, sleep, social interaction or academic performance should not be ignored, and children should be given a safe environment to discuss emotional difficulties.
