This Article is From Apr 12, 2020

Assam Man Allegedly Kills Self After Testing Positive For Coronavirus

He was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where was kept at an isolation ward. After he tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, he allegedly slit his throat.

Assam Man Allegedly Kills Self After Testing Positive For Coronavirus

Coronavirus, India: Across India, more than 7,000 have contracted the infection.

Guwahati, Assam:

A 35-year-old man from Assam's Nagaon district, about 110 km from state capital Dispur, allegedly killed himself on Saturday at a hospital in Maharashtra after he tested positive for the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

The man, who was associated with Islamic sect Tablighi Jamaat for nearly a year, had reportedly attended the congregation last month in Delhi's Nizamuddin linked to more than a thousand coronavirus cases across the country.

Along with other members of the sect, he had recently taken shelter at a mosque in Maharashtra's Akola town. Amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, he was deserted by his companions, his family has alleged.

On Friday, he approached the state police after he showed symptoms of the highly infectious coronavirus and arrangements were made for his medical tests.

He was admitted to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where was kept at an isolation ward. After he tested positive for coronavirus on Saturday, he allegedly slit his throat.

The man was reportedly found unconscious on the bathroom floor of the hospital; he died while undergoing a surgery.

As the news of his suicide reached his village, Singimari Teromile, people were taken by shock. He had informed his family about being admitted to the hospital on Friday and expressed fear that he may contract the infection. 

His body has been kept at the hospital morgue. The Maharashtra Police has contacted the Nagaon police and informed them about the incident.

The northeastern state of Assam has reported at least 30 coronavirus cases, including one death. In Maharashtra, the state with the highest number of cases in India, more than 1,700 cases have been recorded, including over 100 deaths. 

Across India, more than 7,000 have contracted the infection, over 200 have died. 

(If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.)

Helplines:

AASRA: 91-22-27546669 (24 hours)
Sneha Foundation: 91-44-24640050 (24 hours)
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 1860-2662-345 and 1800-2333-330 (24 hours)
iCall: 022-25521111 (Available from Monday to Saturday: 8:00am to 10:00pm)
Connecting NGO: 18002094353 (Available from 12 pm - 8 pm)

.