Chennai techie electrocutes self to death; was depressed over work
What's the story
A 38-year-old software engineer, Karthikeyan, electrocuted himself to death in his home in Thazhambur, Chennai, over alleged work pressure.
The incident occurred on Thursday night while he was alone at his residence off Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR).
His wife discovered him unconscious with wires wrapped around his body upon returning from a temple visit.
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are currently investigating the matter further.
Mental health
Victim was battling depression due to work pressure
According to TOI, Karthikeyan, originally from Theni, had been working at a software firm in Pallavaram for 15 years.
He lived with his wife, K Jayarani, and their two children, aged 10 and eight.
Police reports suggest that he had been suffering from depression due to work pressure and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Medavakkam for the past two months.
Tragic discovery
Wife discovers husband's body after temple visit
On Monday, Jayarani left for Thirunallaru temple with her friends from a self-help group, leaving Karthikeyan alone at home.
Upon her return on Thursday night, she found the door locked from inside and received no response to her knocks.
Using an alternate key to enter the house, she discovered Karthikeyan lying unconscious with his entire body wrapped in a power cable connected to a main junction box in the hall.
Ongoing probe
Police investigation and post-mortem underway
Following the discovery, Jayarani alerted their neighbors who then informed Thazhambur police.
The police have since secured Karthikeyan's body and sent it for post-mortem to Chromepet government hospital.
The technician's suicide comes amid nationwide uproar over toxic work conditions, following the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant with Ernst & Young.
Anna Sebastian Perayil's mother alleged that a work culture that "seems to glorify overwork" affected her health, eventually leading to her death.
Helpline
Please seek help if you are having suicidal thoughts
If you or anyone you know is suffering from suicidal thoughts, you can reach out to AASRA for suicide prevention counseling.
Its number is 022-27546669 (24 hours).
You can also dial Roshni NGO at +914066202000 or COOJ at +91-83222-52525.
Sneha India Foundation, which works 24x7, can be contacted at +91-44246-40050. Vandrevala Foundation's helpline number is +91-99996-66555 (call and WhatsApp).