'88 suicide incidents reported in 2016'

Though the Delhi Metro network serves as the lifeline for commuters of this city, these days it has become infamous for a different reason altogether. In the past few years, the suicide data not only sketches a grim picture but has put the authorities on toes.

In the last year, out of the 88 suicide incidents detected, 12 resulted in death while 11 were intercepted by the security forces. Meanwhile, 20 were foiled due to timely intervention by people around and around 45 have been rushed to hospitals with injuries.

Sources in the CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), which ensures the safety and security of the entire Metro network in Delhi, claim to regularly curb illegal trespassing and suicide attempts, with security persons undertaking surveillance operations regularly and those assigned in plain-clothes to keep a vigil over the suspicious behaviour of any commuter.

The force totally depends on digital eyes and civil-dressed security personnel to spot such people. It has also prepared a dossier of people attempting suicides. "Each station, depending on its size, has one or more staff manning the CCTV control room. The staff deployed on platform also keeps a watch over commuters," says Manjeet Singh, spokesperson, CISF.

According to the data released by CISF, the National Capital Region reported nearly 340 people were fined for jaywalking on the tracks. The security agency is responsible for the safety and security of 150 Metro stations.

Commuters are found hanging around on platforms and skipping trains or looking depressed and nervous. These people are put under a close watch always. "Our security personnel undergo specific training on profiling when deployed. This training becomes very useful while spotting those who are found with any kind of abnormal behaviour," a CISF official said.

It is very difficult to identify and stop someone amidst a huge gathering of people all around waiting for the train. And it is all the more difficult to stop a commuter who is ready to suddenly jump in front of a train when it enters the platform," said a DMRC (Delhi Metro Rail Corporation) official. Moreover, "we are spreading awareness among Metro travelers regarding the same," he added.

According to an official data, in 2015 only, as many as 17 people had died in 80 cases of suicide attempts at various Delhi Metro stations.

However, in 2014, all the 11 suicides occurred on the tracks while 17 people, who attempted to jump off Metro stations, survived. Another 28 jumped on the tracks but survived.

The security agency data shows the maximum number of suicide bids occurred on the Blue Line and Yellow Line.