Daijiworld Media Network - Jalgaon

Jalgaon, Jul 28: A rising number of unmarried men dying by suicide has emerged as a matter of serious concern in Maharashtra, with police data from Jalgaon district revealing that 29 young men ended their lives in the first six months of 2026 due to depression linked to their inability to get married.

According to Jalgaon Police, 29 men died by suicide between January 1 and June 30, 2026, reportedly after struggling to find suitable marriage alliances. The figures indicate that, on average, nearly five such deaths occurred every month during the period.

Overall, the district recorded 443 suicides during the six-month period. Of these, 383 were men, 29 were women, eight were boys and 11 were girls. Men accounted for nearly 90 per cent of the total suicide cases.

Police have also registered 12 cases across various police stations for allegedly abetting suicide.

Among children and adolescents, family disputes, examination pressure and relationship issues were cited as the major factors behind the suicides.

Mental health experts emphasise that open communication within families, emotional support and timely counselling or medical intervention can play a crucial role in preventing suicides. However, many individuals reportedly choose not to share their emotional distress before taking the extreme step.

Experts and observers attribute the increasing number of unmarried men in the state to multiple socio-economic factors, including unemployment, financial instability, difficulties in the agriculture sector due to erratic weather, and changing expectations among prospective brides and their families.

Many young men do not have stable sources of income, making it difficult for them to find suitable matches. In rural areas, farmers often face additional challenges, as many families reportedly prefer grooms with urban backgrounds and secure employment, making marriage prospects more difficult for young farmers.