Indian cleaner from AP commits suicide in Dubai

Dubai, May 22 : A 28-year-old Indian cleaner from Andhra Pradesh, who was unable to return home for six years, committed suicide by consuming toilet-cleaning liquid.

According to friends Naresh Gattu was not able to afford a ticket to return home and had fallen into depression. He leaves behind two sisters and a younger brother.

This is the second reported suicide among low-paid workers in just two days. Indian electrician, Iqbal Alam, hung himself in a labour camp on Saturday due to stress of not being able to go back home.

The cases of suicide among Indians in Dubai is on a rise with 41 cases reported so far this year compared to 84 in 2005.

The Indian Consulate has set up a psychological counselling unit with volunteers to mitigate the mental trauma facing the Indian community.

UNI