Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader R Anbumani on Thursday claimed the government’s failure to curb alcohol and drug abuse had contributed to suicides in Tamil Nadu.
Citing a government policy document, he said 19,965 suicides were reported in 2024, of which 71% were linked in some manner to alcohol and substance abuse, including ganja.
Referring to State Crime Records Bureau data, he said 14,770 victims were men, 5,171 women, and 24 transgender persons. While 12% of suicides were directly attributed to addiction, other causes included family issues (39%), chronic illness (11%), mental health conditions (5%) and debt (4%), which he claimed were often linked to substance abuse.
He also referred to a Supreme Court directive mandating a uniform mental health policy in educational institutions, noting that the State had recently issued one. Describing the data as “shocking”, he further alleged alcohol contributes to over 200 diseases and around two lakh deaths annually in Tamil Nadu, adding nearly 10 lakh deaths over the past five years could be linked to it.
Accusing the government of failing to implement prohibition, Dr. Anbumani said only about 500 liquor shops had been closed while more outlets and clubs had opened, and criticised inaction against ganja circulation.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)