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Tibetan youth commits suicide, police rules out foul play

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By Tenzin Dharpo

DHARAMSHALA, Apr. 1: A Tibetan youth was found dead near McLeod Ganj town’s Bagsu road on Tuesday. The postmortem report by the police has ruled the death as suicide.

The deceased was found hanging from a water supply pipe near Bagsu road by a local who notified the authorities. The police later identified the youth as Sonam Falko, who lived at a rented house in Bagsu road since the last four months. The 26-year-old, a former student of TCV school was suffering from Tuberculosis since the last few years. He had no family in exile besides his younger brother and an uncle.

Dharamshala Settlement Officer Tenzin Kunga told Phayul that the deceased was “mentally disturbed” and was missing since the last few days. He also said that rumors of the deceased being infected with COVID-19 are false and without any basis.

Kunga said that as per new government directive following the outbreak of COVID-19, it is mandatory for any deaths to be reported to the local authorities including the Sub Divisional Magistrate and the Chief Medical Officer. All necessary formalities have been completed and the deceased cremated in the early hours of Wednesday, the SO further said.

In light of the ongoing lockdown, the settlement office in collaboration with a Dharamshala based NGO, LHA social service has been extending support to local elders and the needy with groceries and other essentials. The office has also opened a community mess at Yongling School where locals who have no access to daily meals can eat for free.

2 Responses

  1. Very sad as such situations occurred repeatedly here in Dharamsala in the past as well. The rich often close their eyes and doors to the poor and less privileged. Many young people are left stranded to cater for themselves with no options left. The hard tones and treatments often surprise me as we all listen to teachings about compassion and receive countless initiations, help and funds are shared among the so called fortunate rather than hand given to those who need them the most.
    May our friend achieve state of happiness, free of pain and suffering

  2. I feel very sorry for the young man. I am sure he must have been treated for his medical condition with Tuberculosis. I hope he received enough medical and social support during his condition with tuberculosis .
    I have been informed that sometimes if the medication is strong it may cause side effects like mental disturbance and lead to challenges related to mental and physical behavior.
    Unfortunately, the society is responsible for such sad incidence (we need to provide follow up with mental health and social support) and also a lesson for us to support people with such health issues.

    May his soul rest in peace!

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