Rising Suicide Rates in Assam: Key Factors and Statistics

The rising suicide rates in Assam have raised significant concerns, with 3,203 cases reported in 2024. Key factors include family problems, love affairs, and health issues, particularly affecting those from lower economic backgrounds. The data reveals that hanging is the most common method used. This article delves into the statistics, revealing the demographics of victims and the various reasons behind these tragic decisions. Understanding these trends is crucial for addressing mental health and societal issues in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 10:22 IST

Overview of Suicide Trends in Assam

(Representational Image)

GUWAHATI, May 11: In Assam, the primary triggers for suicide include familial issues, romantic relationships, health problems, and marital disputes, with hanging being the most common method chosen for such acts.

Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and those with limited educational attainment are particularly vulnerable to these tragic decisions.

According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Assam recorded 3,203 suicide cases in 2024, marking a nearly five percent increase from the 3,051 incidents reported in 2023.

Of those who took their lives in Assam last year, 2,076 were men and 1,127 were women.

This state accounted for approximately 1.9 percent of the total suicides in India, which totaled 170,746 cases in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available.

Family-related issues were cited in 1,384 of the suicide cases in Assam during the year.

Additionally, romantic relationships contributed to 534 cases, health issues to 338, marital problems to 263, poverty to 37, property disputes to 85, and unemployment to 125 incidents.

Other contributing factors included financial distress (10 cases), academic failures (55), loss of loved ones (21), substance abuse (44), decline in social standing (13), career challenges (34), suspected extramarital affairs (109), and unplanned pregnancies (8 cases).

In 110 cases, the reasons for suicide were undetermined, while 33 were attributed to various other causes.

Notably, among the victims, 1,889 had an annual income below Rs 1 lakh, 1,200 earned between Rs 1-5 lakh, 107 were in the Rs 5-10 lakh range, and only seven had incomes exceeding Rs 10 lakh.

The predominant method of suicide in Assam was hanging, with 2,594 cases reported. Other methods included 21 cases involving sleeping pills, 243 by drowning, 10 by self-immolation, five by firearms, 187 by poison, 28 through self-inflicted injuries, 60 by jumping (including from heights), one by being struck by vehicles or trains, 20 by electrocution, and 34 by other means.

Among the victims, 403 were housewives, 492 were employed professionals, 806 were students, 448 were unemployed, 227 were self-employed, 62 worked in agriculture, 697 were daily wage laborers, 11 were retirees, and 57 fell into the 'others' category.

In terms of marital status, 1,092 were unmarried, 1,952 were married, 32 were widowed, 49 were divorced, 63 were separated, and three were classified as 'others,' with the status of 12 individuals remaining unknown.

Regarding educational background, 327 individuals had no formal education, 485 had completed primary education, 678 had attended middle school, 825 had secondary education, 676 had completed higher secondary, 37 had diplomas or certificates, and 158 were graduates or held higher degrees. The educational status of 17 individuals was not recorded.