The deceased, reportedly dealing with financial issues, made a final WhatsApp call to his son around 3:15 pm.
Mumbai: A Ghatkopar businessman ended his life on Wednesday afternoon by jumping off the Bandra-Worli Sea Link after informing his son of his intentions via a video call.
The deceased, reportedly facing financial difficulties, made a final WhatsApp call to his son around 3:15 pm. His son approached the police at approximately 4:30 pm, reporting that his father had jumped from the bridge during their video conversation.
Upon reviewing CCTV footage from the Sea Link, Bandra police discovered that the businessman had hitched a ride with a passing motorist, requesting to be dropped off at the southern end of the bridge. The motorist complied, leaving him on the bridge before continuing towards Worli.
Subsequent footage showed the deceased making a call, now identified as being to his son. “The deceased told his son that he was about to jump off the Sea Link and end his life,” said an officer from Bandra police station.
The son informed authorities that his father had left their Ghatkopar residence at 2 pm for his South Mumbai office, displaying no signs of distress at the time.
Police sources indicated that the deceased, a ball-bearing trader, was believed to be experiencing financial difficulties.
Bandra police have registered the case as an accidental death and launched a search operation to recover the body, enlisting the help of fire brigade officers and divers. “Despite the rough seas due to the rainy season, we are making all efforts to locate the body,” the officer added.
Authorities urge anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help from mental health professionals or contact local helplines for support.