Mumbai Man Invents ‘Anti-Suicide’ Fan To Avert Deaths

Mumbai: In a unique invention, a Mumbai resident invented a 'anti-suicide' fan with a sole aim to prevent suicides using ceiling fans.

The inventor, Sharad Ashani, was moved by the death of actor/model Nafisa Joseph in 2004 and that, he says, prompted him to come up with a device to stop suicide bids. His invention looks pretty much like a normal fan but when a person tries to hang himself or herself, the rod disengages from the fan and places the person safely on the ground.

The technique lies on the -safety down rod, says Ashani. So far, he has produced 100 rods and said that his firm is equipped to produce 10,000 units a month. Before getting into this role, Ashani worked for electrical major Crompton Greaves.

His invention looks pretty much like a normal fan but when a person tries to hang himself or herself, the rod disengages from the fan and places the person safely on the ground

He intends to launch his product under the 'Gold Life' brand name and plans to fan manufacturers soon.

According to National Crime Record Bureau data, out of 130,000 people who commit suicide each year, nearly 60,000 use fans to hang themselves.