Ludhiana has witnessed a slight reduction in suicide cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, offering a measure of relief to the city. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report, the city reported 320 suicides in 2024, a decline of 5.6% from 339 cases in 2023. However, illness—particularly mental illness or insanity—continued to be the predominant cause of these tragic deaths.
Gender Breakdown and Trends
Of the 320 suicides in Ludhiana in 2024, 231 involved men and 89 were women. The decrease follows two consecutive years of rising numbers. The sharpest year-on-year increase occurred in 2020, when cases surged by 39.8%. In the broader region, Amritsar recorded 52 suicides in 2024, while Chandigarh city reported 96. Chandigarh experienced the steepest decline in the region at 36%, followed by Amritsar with a 7.1% drop.
Leading Causes: Illness and Mental Health
An analysis of sub-categories for Ludhiana reveals that illness accounted for the largest share of suicides in 2024. A total of 230 cases were attributed to illness, including 167 men and 63 women. Among these, 219 deaths were due to insanity or mental illness—159 men and 60 women. In 2023, illness was also the leading cause, with 227 suicides, of which 210 were linked to mental illness.
Other Contributing Factors
The NCRB report highlights several other reasons for suicides in Ludhiana:
- Examination failure: Two students (one male, one female) died by suicide, three fewer than in 2023.
- Marital issues: Led to 15 suicides (seven men, eight women).
- Poverty: Cited in seven cases.
- Drug abuse or alcohol addiction: Eleven suicides, up from five in the previous year.
- Unemployment: Two cases.
- Property disputes: Four cases.
- Love affairs: Five cases.
- Bankruptcy or indebtedness: Five cases, all involving men.
- Professional or career-related problems: Three deaths.
Expert Concerns and Recommendations
Experts emphasize that over 300 suicides in a single year remain a significant concern for Ludhiana. Dr. Anshu Gupta, a city-based psychiatrist, noted that while the marginal decline is positive, the numbers are still alarmingly high. He pointed out that the dominance of mental illness as a cause indicates that many individuals are not seeking timely help or are treating suicidal thoughts casually.
“These problems cannot be taken lightly. Family members and those around such individuals need to be extremely vigilant to prevent them from taking extreme steps. In today’s era, many people live more in a virtual world than the physical one, which has also contributed to the issue. Growing matrimonial disharmony is another factor pushing people toward such thoughts,” Dr. Gupta said.
He added that lifestyle changes, meditation, and pursuing hobbies could play a role in reducing such cases. The report underscores the need for increased mental health awareness and support systems in the city.
