NAVI MUMBAI: A 52-year-old resident of Matunga jumped off the Atal Setu (MTHL) on Wednesday around 9am after parking his car on the bridge. The incident occurred in Nhava Sheva police's jurisdiction, 14.5 km from the Mumbai shore. The man was identified as Philip Shah, a garment businessman. The incident comes two days after a middle-aged bank manager threw himself off the bridge.
Senior inspector, Nhava Sheva, Anjum Bagwan, said the MTHL's CCTV control room received an alert when a car halted on Atal Setu. They informed a rescue team patrolling the sea, which rushed to the spot and fished out Shah. He was taken to hospital where he was declared brought dead.
Inspector Bagwan said, "We informed Shah's wife. She said her husband left home at 8am saying he was going to Navi Mumbai for a function. She said for some months now, he was stressed, probably due to the family business." A college mate of the deceased said he was an alumnus of Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies.
Inspector Bagwan said repeated incidents of suicide on Atal Setu can only be prevented if safety nets are installed along the periphery of the bridge.
Experts said the incident highlights the growing need for workplaces, schools, colleges and families to be more aware about mental health. Symptoms of those under stress are known to vary and not all may necessarily show signs like crying or withdrawing into themselves all the time. Disturbed sleep, irritability or a gesture out-of-the-ordinary are reliable indicators.
For those in need, the following are helplines: MPower Mental Health Helpline 1800-120-820050
Vandrewala Foundation 9999666555
I-Call (Tata Institute of Social Sciences) 9152987821 (Monday-Saturday 10am- 8pm) | Samaritans Mumbai 8422984528, 8422984529, 8422984530
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