Pune Records 3,426 Suicides in Three-and-a-Half Years; Men Account for Over 76%
Pune, 29th July 2026: Pune has recorded a significant number of suicides over the past three-and-a-half years, with young professionals, students and senior citizens among those who died by suicide. Police data and experts point to health problems, mental stress, financial difficulties, unemployment, and family and personal issues as some of the factors associated with these deaths.
According to Pune city police data, 3,426 people died by suicide in the city over the last three-and-a-half years, including 2,611 men and 815 women. Men accounted for more than three-fourths of the total, with their number more than three times that of women.
Among women, 209 suicides were reported in 2023, 237 in 2024 and 251 in 2025, while 118 women died by suicide during the first six months of 2026.
Among men, 740 suicides were recorded in 2023, 691 in 2024 and 757 in 2025. In the first half of 2026 alone, 423 men died by suicide.
Police officials said the figures indicate that male suicides have remained consistently high in the post-pandemic period. Financial instability, job losses and unemployment following the COVID-19 pandemic placed many men under significant pressure, particularly those responsible for supporting their families.
Psychologists said changing social and family dynamics have also contributed to mental health challenges among both men and women.
“Today, more men and women are educated and financially independent, while expectations in relationships and lifestyles have also changed. In some families, lack of communication, rising expectations and an inability to compromise have contributed to marital stress,” said psychologist Kamlesh Sonawane.
He added that many men continue to experience psychological pressure arising from financial responsibilities, social expectations and concerns about self-esteem.
“After the pandemic, many people lost their jobs or experienced a decline in income, affecting their financial stability. Debt, loan repayments, rising household expenses and marital conflicts can push some people into severe psychological distress. Timely emotional support, counselling and open communication within families are crucial to preventing such extreme outcomes,” Sonawane said.
Gauhar Hasan, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime Branch), said the number of suicides in the city was a serious concern.
“The increasing number of suicides in the city is a serious issue. Many men take the extreme step due to the burden of social and economic expectations and financial setbacks. In the case of women, family disputes and domestic stress are major contributing factors,” DCP Hasan said.
