Pune Reports Nearly 4,000 Suicides In Four Years, Financial Strain And Family Disputes Cited As Key Factors

Pune, 10th February 2025: A staggering 3,961 people have died by suicide in Pune over the past four years, with men accounting for a significantly higher proportion of these cases. Data reveals that financial stress, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a primary factor driving men to take their own lives, while family disputes have emerged as the leading cause of suicides among women.

Of the total suicides recorded between 2021 and 2024, 2,849 were men and 1,173 were women. Alarmingly, incidents of men dying by suicide due to family disputes have also shown a notable increase, highlighting the growing psychological strain on both genders.

The city has recently been shaken by a series of high-profile suicides. HBP Shirish Maharaj More, a descendant of Tukaram Maharaj, died by suicide, followed by a police sub-inspector from Khadki. On the same day, two other men took their lives—one near court, allegedly due to the pressure of an impending divorce, and another young man in the police lines, reportedly after a breakup.

The trend reflects a broader national crisis. Across India, nearly 200,000 people die by suicide annually, with nearly half of these deaths occurring among individuals aged 15 to 35. The economic and social disruptions caused by the pandemic have exacerbated stress levels within families and communities, contributing to this disturbing surge.

In the past, suicides were often linked to specific incidents such as marital issues or academic failures. However, recent years have seen a rise in suicides stemming from diverse causes, including financial hardship, relationship breakdowns, and mental health struggles. Notably, cases of men dying by suicide due to harassment from their spouses or in-laws have increased, with six to seven such incidents reported annually in Pune.

Another contributing factor has been the proliferation of mobile loan apps that offered quick credit but resorted to aggressive and often humiliating tactics when borrowers defaulted. Borrowers faced harassment, with morphed photos and videos used to defame them, leading many to take drastic measures. After widespread outrage, the central government intervened to regulate these apps, curbing their harmful practices.

Mental health experts emphasize that many suicides could be prevented through timely intervention. Studies suggest that most individuals express suicidal thoughts to someone close to them in the days leading up to their death. Over half of those who die by suicide experience intense emotional distress, indicating that greater awareness and support within families and communities could save lives.

Suicide Statistics in Pune (2021-2024):

– 2021: 1,080 deaths (354 women, 628 men, 42 girls, 56 boys)
– 2022: 1,056 deaths (242 women, 754 men, 29 girls, 31 boys)
– 2023: 1,023 deaths (196 women, 732 men, 49 girls, 46 boys)
– 2024: 862 deaths (206 women, 583 men, 43 girls, 30 boys)