The death of newly-wed Induja of Palode two weeks ago is a pertinent pointer to the alarming increase in suicides among tribal people in Thiruvananthapuram. As per available data, 23 tribal residents — five of them young women — ended their lives in the district this year alone.
Thiruvananthapuram: Alarming rise in suicide rates among the tribal settlements in Thiruvananthapuram has shocked many as the reasons for taking the extreme step is mostly due to domestic abuse and harassment after marriage.
Four suicides by tribal people in four days – two men and two women, all aged below 30 – the data explains the seriousness of the situation.
The death of newly-wed Induja of Palode two weeks ago is a pertinent pointer to the alarming increase in suicides among tribal people in Thiruvananthapuram. As per available data, 23 tribal residents — five of them young women — ended their lives in the district this year alone.
Induja, 25, a Kani tribe member who chose to marry outside the community, took the extreme step on December 6, after allegedly being caught in a vicious cycle of domestic abuse and harassment.
Apart from the above two cases, there are many deaths that have been reported due to similar reasons.
“This is a very serious situation. The community is being exploited very much by the people residing nearby. Even though various government bodies have interfered, nothing has changed on the ground”, said Dhanya Raman, activist.
Estimates from the tribal department reveals that between 2011 and 2022, there has been 138 deaths due to suicide reported in the Peringalmala tribal settlement.
What is shocking is that majority of those who ended their lives are between the age of 20 and 30.
According to the families of the deceased and tribal activists, the suicides are attributed to tremendous stress caused by extreme social conditions, coupled with pressure and harassment due to marriages and relationships outside the community, along with the rise of liquor and sex rackets.