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According to recent data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the rate of suicide fatalities in India in 2021 surged to the highest level ever observed, jumping 6.1% from the year before. This highlights the toll the pandemic appears to have taken on Indians' emotional wellbeing. Data reveals that, in contrast, the trajectory in crime rates and accidental death rates has begun to converge with pre-pandemic levels.

Similar to what was seen in the 2020 edition of the reports, the fastest increase in suicide deaths was seen among students and small business owners, supporting anecdotal accounts of protracted stress brought on by the pandemic.

These conclusions are based on data from the Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India (ADSI) and Crime in India (CII) reports for 2021, both of which were released on Saturday by NCRB under the Union Home Ministry.