Elderly woman attempting suicide rescued; entrusted to 'Snehalaya' care

Mangaluru: An elderly woman attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the sea at Panambur here on Tuesday, however the alert lifeguards stationed at the beach rescued her. The woman was later handed over to the care of Snehalaya charitable trust orphanage.

The woman in question is Venkatamma, aged about 65 and has only revealed that she is from Bengaluru. She has refused to give out any additional details and converses in Kannada language.

On Tuesday afternoon, she had jumped into the sea when no one was around but the lifeguards noticed and rescued her. However, the woman cried hysterically and screamed that she be allowed to die. Realizing that it would be unwise to leave her alone, the lifeguards informed Panambur police of the situation. Eventually, the police took her into custody.

During interrogation, the police realized that the woman was suffering from depression. She only revealed her name and native place and maintained silence to questions regarding address, how she reached here, relatives and anything else. Faced with no other option, the police decided to send her to Snehalaya orphanage where destitute and orphans are provided shelter. The woman was escorted by lady police to Snehalaya.

The woman stuck to her guns at Snehalaya and revealed no more information. Head of the facility, Joseph Crasta, said that she has been given rest and she would be taken to Yenepoya Hospital for check up on Wednesday, and if found necessary, she would be provided with treatment. The woman would be provided support and care, and once she returns to normal, her address would be found and she would be safely returned to her family, informed Mr Crasta.