A 25-year-old autorickshaw driver in the Indian state of Bihar, killed himself on Saturday evening, after failing to find a steady source of income or provide food for his family amid restrictions on movement and public transport during the coronavirus lockdown.
Discussing the rise in unemployment due to COVID-19, Indians took to social media to share news reports about the Patna resident. Reportedly, the deceased who was not named in the reports, had struggled to earn money from driving his autorickshaw and had also failed to find work as a daily wager. The vehicle had been purchased on loan and nearly three months of lockdown had made paying instalments even more difficult.
While Indians are still mourning the suicide of young Bollywood actor Sushant Singh from the same state, some Indian netizens said this case of suicide also needs to be given equal importance. Facebook user Zafar Iqbal posted: “We should talk about this suicide as well. Most of us don't even know about him. And, we know why.”
According to an article on news channel ndtv.com, the deceased man’s father spoke about the difficulties the family was facing, and said that the entire family had not been allotted a ration card despite running from pillar to post. The young man is survived by his three children, reported the news channel.
However, after news of his death reached the authorities, the Patna District Magistrate, Kumar Ravi, rushed to the grieving family's home on Monday with 25kg of rice and wheat.
Reacting to the update, tweep @HaridasKishore posted: “Welcome to a capitalist ‘democracy’ where mental health is valued at par 25kg of rice.”
And, @shafqatwatali tweeted: “25kg rice and wheat, that’s what the family gets after his death. What a shame.”
Some tweeps tried to offer help to the family, @gauravs02295294 took to Twitter and posted: “I wish to support his family till this pandemic ends. I request you to connect me with his family please.”
The death has also highlighted the issue of unemployment in Bihar. According to think-tank CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy), unemployment rate in Bihar is 46.2 per cent, as of May 2020. Reportedly, political opposition leaders in the state have hit out at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for failing to focus on "real issues like unemployment".
The Indian economy is struggling to recover after over two and a half months of lockdown. The sudden lockdown that was announced on March 24, left hundreds of thousands jobless and many others struggling to survive.
