A former scientist with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) who was also the president of the Indian Woman Scientists Association (IWSA), committed suicide by consuming sleeping pills at her residence in Govandi.
Uma Rao, 63, a senior scientist who worked in the food technology and cell biology division of the BARC and later handled media relations, was found dead at her residence in Govandi on Friday morning.
The case came to light on Friday morning when the deceased’s maid Madri Sushila came to work at around 8.15am. Sushila entered the flat using her key and found Rao lying unconscious.
Assistant commissioner of police, Trombay division, Jalinder Khandagle said, “On finding Rao unconscious, Sushila immediately rushed to the neighbouring building where Rao’s son Anurag resides. Anurag called a doctor, who checked Rao and declared her dead.” He added, “The east region control room received a message on the wireless about the suicide and a team of officers from the Trombay division rushed to the spot. We found a suicide note on a chair near Rao’s body. Rao mentioned in the suicide note that she was suffering from depression for a long time and did not want to live any longer. She said she was ending her life and no-one should be held responsible for her act.”
Rao is survived by two sons. The elder one, Debashish, is a businessman settled in the United States, while the younger Anurag runs an event management company in Mumbai.
According to the police, Rao was suffering from depression since the past twenty years and was undergoing treatment for the same. She also suffered from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and had severe stomach aches.
Police found a clay pot, which was allegedly used by Rao to make a mixture of sleeping pills which she consumed to commit suicide. It has been sent for forensic analysis. Her body has been sent for post mortem to Rajawadi Hospital.
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