A concerning uptick in suicides attributed to illnesses, coupled with increases in sudden deaths from heart attacks and fatalities tied to abortions, has been highlighted in the latest ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India 2023’ report released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

According to the report, total suicides in India rose marginally, but those caused by illnesses saw a 3.2 per cent increase, from 31,484 in 2022 to 32,503 in 2023, accounting for 19 per cent of all suicides. Within this category, suicides due to “other prolonged illnesses” surged by 10.7 per cent, climbing from 14,431 to 15,970 cases.

Mental health issues, labelled as “insanity/mental illness,” remained a significant driver, contributing 13,978 suicides (8.2 per cent of total), though down 4.3 per ce

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