SHILLONG: Ward’s Lake, a favourite destination for local and visiting tourists, has become a suicide spot over the years. Ten people have committed suicide in the Lake in the last three years.
Police statistics reveal that three persons committed suicide there in 2012 followed by four last year. Three people have committed suicide by jumping into the lake this year till date.
Recently, police fished out the body of a woman from Ward’s Lake and this incident sent shockwaves in the city.
The victim is identified as Malti Sharma (47), wife of Keshav Bahadur, an employee of Raj Bhavan.
Most of the incidents are reported during the early morning hours or night hours, taking advantage of the fewer people present.
With the growing instances of suicides in the Lake, the city police is now planning to approach the concerned authorities to ensure that proper fencing or wall is constructed in the open areas to deter any future suicide attempt.
When contacted, principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) S Kumar admitted that the security is confined to the interiors of the Lake and there is no dedicated security for the bridge that connects the Lake with Oakland.
He stated that there was a need for deployment of dedicated security in the thoroughfare even as he added that the forest department has its security for general duties within the park.