Not Bengaluru Or Mumbai, This City Tops 53 Indian Cities In Suicides; 71% Victims Men
Not Bengaluru Or Mumbai, This City Tops 53 Indian Cities In Suicides; 71% Victims Men Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 17:25 IST Delhi
Not Bengaluru Or Mumbai, This City Tops 53 Indian Cities In Suicides; 71% Victims Men Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 17:25 IST Delhi registered 2,905 suicide deaths in 2024, followed by Bengaluru with 2,403 cases and Mumbai with 1,406. Rapid Read While Delhi is at the top in terms of cases, the NCRB data also showed a gradual decline in suicide deaths over the last three years. (Representational Image) The deaths of two married women in Bhopal and Greater Noida have once again drawn attention to rising suicide cases in India’s urban centres. According to the Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data in 2024, Delhi recorded the highest number of suicides among 53 major Indian cities. The national capital registered 2,905 suicide deaths in 2024, followed by Bengaluru with 2,403 cases and Mumbai with 1,406. However, Bengaluru topped the list in terms of suicide rate per lakh population at 16.7, followed by Delhi at 13.2 and Mumbai at 11. While Delhi is at the top in terms of cases, the NCRB data also showed a gradual decline in suicide deaths over the last three years. The city recorded 3,417 suicides in 2022, which fell to 3,131 in 2023 and further to 2,905 in 2024.
Over 71% Suicide Victims In India Are Men Men accounted for more than 71 per cent of suicide victims in Delhi. Of the total 2,905 cases recorded in 2024, 2,078 victims were men. Women accounted for 825 deaths, while two transgender persons were also among the victims. Married individuals formed the largest category among suicide victims, as per the NCRB data. A total of 1,616 married persons died by suicide, compared to 821 unmarried individuals. The data also recorded 27 widowed victims, 55 divorced persons and 41 separated individuals. Suicides Among Married Men Reflect Several Deep-Rooted Social, Psychological And Structural Challenges: Experts Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Professor of Psychiatry Suresh Bada Math said the rising number of suicides among married men reflects several deep-rooted social, psychological and structural challenges. He said that in India, marriage often brings major social and economic responsibilities for men, and failure to meet these expectations can deeply affect those shaped by traditional notions of masculinity. He added that patriarchal norms frequently discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking professional help, which further increases emotional suffering. According to him, marital conflict itself can become a major stressor, as relationship discord, separation, domestic disputes, allegations, sexual difficulties, infertility, caregiving burdens and the loss of emotional intimacy can all lead to severe psychological distress.
He also noted that legal provisions related to dowry harassment, domestic violence and similar issues may contribute to stress in certain cases. Suresh Bada Math further said that loneliness and emotional isolation can persist even within marriage, with many men lacking emotionally safe spaces despite living with family and remaining professionally active. In the absence of support systems, some may turn to alcohol or substance abuse as a coping mechanism. He emphasised that alcohol and drugs are significant risk factors associated with suicide. He also said that the education system has largely failed to inculcate emotional resilience, life skills, stress management and meaningful social connectedness. Stressing the need for collective action, he said efforts are required across families, educational institutions, healthcare systems and society to reduce such preventable deaths. Latest Suicide Cases In Bhopal And Greater Noida 33-year-old Twisha Sharma was found hanging on May 12 at the residential premises of her mother-in- law, Giribala Singh, in Bhopal. Twisha’s husband Samarth Singh and Giribala have been booked under relevant sections of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961. As per the police records, Twisha was allegedly subjected to dowry harassment, mental cruelty, and physical torture following her marriage on December 9, 2025.
In another case, a 24-year-old woman in Greater Noida’s Ecotech-3 died after she jumped from her home’s roof. The woman, Deepika, took the extreme step due to alleged dowry harassment at the hands of her in-laws. Deepika’s husband and father-in-law have been arrested. DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 18, 2026, 18:13 IST News india Not Bengaluru Or Mumbai, This City Tops 53 Indian Cities In Suicides; 71% Victims Men Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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