Upset Over Failed App, Techie Inhales Nitrogen, Commits Suicide

Lucky Gupta Agarwal had quit his job with a software firm to develop mobile applications.

The techie had quit his job with a software firm to develop mobile applications. The image is used for representational purpose. (Photo courtesy: iStockphotos)

A young techie committed suicide by inhaling nitrogen after a mobile application developed by him was unsuccessful, the police said.

Lucky Gupta Agarwal (33), who wanted a painless death, bought a small nitrogen cylinder and inhaled the gas by using a mask at his apartment in Ameerpet area in Hyderabad. A police officer said the techie searched the internet for an easy method to end his life.

I am committing suicide. Nitrogen gas is an easy and painless method of suicide. I wish everyone peace and happiness.

<b>Suicide Note in Lucky’s Room</b>

Lucky, a bachelor, had quit his job with a software firm a few months ago and was developing mobile applications on his own. The police quoted his family members as saying that he used to confine himself to the room, working late into the night.

His parents grew suspicious when Lucky didn’t come out of his room till Wednesday evening.

The door of his room was locked from inside, so, his parents broke it open only to find him lying dead on his bed with a mask tied on his face.

He was, reportedly, upset after finding no takers for a mobile application he had developed. The police said he bought the nitrogen cylinder on 17 March. Lucky’s father Ashik Kumar Agarwal, a businessman, said they thought it was part of his project.

Experts Fear More Nitrogen Suicide Cases in Future

The news of a young techie committing “easy and painless” suicide by inhaling nitrogen gas has left the Indian health care providers worried. This may lead others suffering from chronic depression and having suicidal tendencies to follow suit, they fear.

According to Dr RK Singal, head (internal medicine) at BLK Super Specialty Hospital, nitrogen gas can prove catastrophic and fatal if inhaled in large quantity because the body is left oxygen-deprived.

Depending on the dose of nitrogen inhaled, it can lead to full body paralysis to instant death. Nitrous oxide is the most commonly used inhalation anesthetic used in dentistry. In normal dose and under professional supervision, it is acceptable by the human body and doesn’t prove fatal. But when inhaled in excess, it can certainly knock down both our nervous and respiratory system, as the body gets deprived of oxygen.

<b> Dr RK Singal, Head of Internal Medicine, BLK Super Specialty Hospital</b>