Mumbai businessman dies, second incident in three days at Atal Setu

Vehicles on the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link Road, called Atal Setu. File photo is for representative purposes only. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Amid increasing incidents of suspected suicides on the Mumbai Trans Harbor Link (MTHL), also known as Atal Setu, another incident has come to light in which a 52-year-old businessman ended his life after jumping from the bridge, Nhava police said Sheva with on Thursday (October 3, 2024).

A case of accidental death has been registered at Nhava Sheva police station in Navi Mumbai. “We have recorded his wife's preliminary statement, prima facie it is self-harm due to depression. However, the reason for the depression is not yet clear,” said Anjum Bagwan, a senior police inspector who is investigating the case The Hindu.

The incident occurred on Wednesday (October 2, 2024) at around 9 a.m. Authorities removed the body and took it to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The deceased has been identified as Philip Hitesh Shah, a resident of Matunga in the western suburbs. According to his family, Shah left the house at 8 am. to attend an event but instead went to Atu setu and ended his life.

Mr Bagwan stated that the police were informed after the car parked on the bridge was seen in CCTV footage. His Aadhaar card helped trace his ID and address.

Safety concerns

This is the second death in three days. On September 30, a deputy bank manager committed suicide in a similar manner. In the past nine months, since the inauguration of Atal Setu, at least six people have attempted suicide from the bridge. One person was prevented from harming themselves when a taxi driver alerted authorities.

This has led to security concerns at MTHL. Mr Bagwan pointed out that these incidents are taking place in an unbarricaded part of the Atal Setu, which is at least 4 to 5 km long. “The police are discussing with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to set up visual barriers in this part and are exploring the possibility of installing safety nets,” he added.

People who are in distress or at risk of suicide can seek help and advice by calling any of the following numbers Suicide prevention hotline numbers

Mumbai:

BMC Mental Health Helpline: 022-24131212 (24×7)

Vandrevala Foundation: 18602662345/18002333330 (24×7)

I call: 022-25521111 (Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.)

ASRA – 022 2754 6669 (24×7)

The Samaritans Mumbai: 8422984528/842984529/8422984530 (5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., all days)