Maharashtra: Jet Airways employee, suffering from cancer, commits suicide
In a disturbing incident, a senior technician of Jet Airways committed suicide in Palghar of Maharashtra, police said on Saturday. The employee, identified as Shailesh Singh, was battling stomach cancer for the last three years. On Friday afternoon, he jumped off a four-storey building in Nalasopara East. He is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters. Here's what happened.
Backstory: Crisis and humongous debt pulled shutters on Jet
Jet Airlines, buried under a debt of $1.2 billion, failed to get any lenders which led to the suspension of services on April 17. Jet started flying in 1993 and became the first Indian airline outside government control to travel overseas. Though the government asked banks to bail out the airlines, talks didn't materialize. Notably, Jet's 23,000 employees haven't received salaries since January.
Singh's ailment and Jet's condition pushed him to depression
Singh had been working with the Airlines for 23 years and had been on leave without pay for more than a year due to his cancer treatment. His son is also employed with Jet's engineering division and had not received a salary for the last two months. The disease coupled with Jet's financial situation pushed Singh to depression, his family informed the police.
Singh was frustrated due to pain, doctors suggested chemotherapy
A police officer said Singh was discharged from the hospital on Friday, but his pain persisted. He was frustrated due to the pain and doctors had suggested chemotherapy. After coming from the hospital, he went to the terrace of Sai Pooja Apartment, Oswal Nagri, and sat on the parapet. Onlookers asked Singh to come down but moments later he jumped to death.
Police said Singh's financial condition was extremely bad
Singh was taken to Alliance hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. "For the last three months, his financial condition was very bad. He had spent a lot on chemotherapy and other treatments. Also, his pain was getting unbearable, therefore he had gone in depression," a police officer said. He added no suicide note was found and an investigation is underway.
Jet staff had recently raised money for Singh's treatment
A source in Jet Aircraft Maintenance Engineers' Association told TOI, Singh's suicide was a result of Jet's fallout. His son was bearing household's expense and last month the staff collected money for Singh's treatment. Another member of the association said several families of Jet employees were going through a hard time to meet medical expenses. Singh's last rites were performed on Friday.
A case of accidental death has been registered
Singh's demise is the first case of suicide since Jet temporarily suspended its services on April 17. A spokesperson said the Airlines was informed about the suicide but no further information was given. A case of accidental death has been registered.
