National Institute Of Technology, Rourkela: Suicide of an assistant professor and his wife over being unable to have a child, shows the trauma of being a childless parent in India. How this couple got tired of fighting the battle of becoming parents is not only saddening but disheartening.
So What Happened?
The neighbors alerted the campus security when there was a foul smell that could be traced back to the residence of 37-year-old Rasu Jayabalan and his wife, 35-year-old Malvi Kesavan.
As there was no response from the couple, police had no other chance but to break in through the front door. When they entered the residence, they discovered the couple bodies.
But, what would break your heart is the suicide note that the couple left behind. According to the information given out by the police, the couple left behind a 6-page long suicide note which was written both in Tamil and English.
As per sources, Rourkela Superintendent of Police, Sarthak Sarangi shared:
“A suicide note was recovered from the spot. It mentions that they were distressed over not being able to have children. It also says that no one is to be held accountable for their deaths.”
And, the suicide note made it clear that the couple was contemplating to end their lives for a long time.
It indicated that they had a very comprehensive plan to end their lives. It captured the details about particular family members, who had information about their assets, specifically mentioning share distribution among each member. And the professor also remembered to write down all the passcodes to enable access to his research projects.
Additionally, the couple deposited all their gold ornaments and other valuables in a bank locker just before the deed, indicating that they were planning the deed for quite some time now.
Sarangi further stated that forensic experts have examined the site and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem. A major investigation is currently underway.
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The couple was married for 10 years and was loved by everyone around. Registrar of NIT Rourkela P.K. Das said:
“They were a wonderful couple and very friendly. Jayabalan was liked by the students and his colleagues. He would involve himself in all the activities of the department. He was also very good at his subject that was life science.”
What is saddening to know is the fact that the couple’s family and friends never observed any sign of distress!
It only shows how this couple was holding all the sadness in themselves and fighting their battle all alone without any support.
At I FOR HER, we wonder if it was really a suicide? In India, we are struggling with the increasing population. But still, our society doesn’t leave a chance to nudge, to taunt or to make indecent probes on the married couples about having a baby.
Being “childless” in our society is seen as a sin. Doesn’t matter if you choose to not become a parent or you are not able to conceive, society is ready to shame you and question your existence.
