Indian social worker commits suicide in the UAE

61-year-old Sugathan, from Kerala, lived in the UAE for 37 years and was working as an X-ray technician in Sharjah was found dead in the UAE emirate of Fujairah last week.

Sugathan, a prominent social worker, was cremated here yesterday.

Ironically, Sugathan used to run awareness campaign against suicide alongside several Indian community organisations.

He was the secretary of the Sharjah unit of Sevanam, an Indian community association registered with the Indian Consulate in Dubai.

He was even honoured by the Indian community for his social service last year.

According to reports, Sugathan took leave from office last Sunday and drove to the distant emirate of Fujairah in his car.

He bought a rope from a supermarket and later hanged himself. The bill for the purchase was found in his pocket.

His body was found hanging in an under construction building in Fujairah last Monday.

There is still no clarity behind the motive for the suicide, but some say financial woes may have driven him to the extreme act.