Bahrain's Indian community in shock as active member commits suicide

TDT | Manama                                                         

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Reported by Zahra Ayaz

In a shocking turn of events, a vibrant Bahrain-based Indian expatriate known for his cheerful disposition has been found dead by suicide. The sudden and tragic demise has left the community in disbelief and searching for answers.

Family members have revealed that the primary cause behind this heartbreaking act was the immense financial burden that had been weighing heavily on his shoulders for an extended period. Sunil Kumar, a 53-year-old expat from Kerala, India, was found dead in his Saar residence last week. The Health Ministry has certified that the death was caused by cardiopulmonary arrest due to suicidal hanging.

As his body was repatriated to India, questions arose about the high prevalence of expat suicides in Bahrain and the necessary measures to mitigate this issue. Sunil Kumar’s family, accompanied by the necessary support from the Embassy of India and Shifa Al Jaseera Hospital, has returned to India to mourn their loss.

The Daily Tribune has previously reported on several cases of expatriate suicides, emphasising the urgent need for solutions to reduce such incidents. Sudheer Thirunilath, a social worker, expressed his concern about the gravity of the situation.

He questioned how someone like Sunil Kumar, actively involved in social organisations and supporting others, could succumb to despair. Thirunilath stressed that if a person like Sunil faced such difficulties, the challenges faced by ordinary individuals could contribute to the rising suicide rates among expatriates.

Financial issues emerged as a significant concern for expatriates, according to Thirunilath. He called for authorities to consider increasing expat salaries to match the rising cost of living. Additionally, he highlighted the need for authorities to investigate the root causes of expatriate suicides and develop comprehensive strategies to address the issue effectively.

Thirunilath suggested seeking support from friends and utilising organisations such as The Indian Club and Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam, which provide counselling services specifically for expatriates. He also praised the helpfulness of Bahrain’s social workers, urging people to come forward and share their issues.

The tragic suicide of Sunil Kumar serves as a solemn reminder of the urgent need to tackle the financial challenges faced by expatriates in Bahrain. By prioritising mental health and well-being and implementing proactive measures, Bahrain can strive towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for its diverse expatriate population.