Man dies by suicide over SUV purchase row with father

Patna: A late-night argument over the purchase of an SUV allegedly ended in tragedy when a 30-year-old man jumped into the Ganga river after making a chilling final video call to his family from Patna’s Marine Drive area.

The deceased, Sagar Kumar, a resident of Indrapuri Road No. 2 under Patliputra police station area, allegedly died by suicide late Monday night near Pillar No. 46 under Pirbahore police station area after a heated dispute with his father, who had reportedly refused to fund the vehicle purchase.

According to family members, Sagar called them moments before taking the extreme step and clearly told them about his intention to jump into the river. Soon after the call, his mobile phone was switched off, leaving the family in panic.

Fearing the worst, relatives rushed out in search of him through the night. Their fears deepened after Sagar’s scooter and one of his shoes were found abandoned near the riverbank at Marine Drive.

A search operation was immediately launched, with the SDRF team and local divers combing the waters of the Ganga river from Tuesday morning.

Madhurendu Kumar, additional SHO of Pirbahore police station, said the body was recovered from the river around 8.30am on Tuesday.

“The body was sent to PMCH for the postmortem examination. Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation,” he said.

Family members told police that Sagar had been suffering from depression for some time and had allegedly attempted suicide earlier as well. They also said he had left home without informing anyone on several previous occasions.