'Depressed' and 'jobless' Meerut man claims slapping strangers on streets eased his mental health issues. Video

In an unusual and unsettling series of events, a 23-year-old man in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested for allegedly slapping strangers on the streets. The man, identified as Kapil Kumar, reportedly claimed that his actions provided him with a "dopamine rush" to cope with depression. Over the past five to six months, Kumar, unemployed and grappling with personal issues, had allegedly assaulted pedestrians, including a retired PCS officer and a woman.

A Troubled Past and Unusual Coping Mechanism

Police investigations revealed that Kumar lost his father five years ago, and his mother remarried shortly afterward. This chain of events, coupled with unemployment and a troubled childhood where he faced harassment for being timid, left him struggling with depression. Superintendent of Police (Meerut City) Ayush Vikram Singh stated, "Kapil Kumar told the police that he has been slapping people randomly while riding a scooter for a dopamine rush and also encountered suicidal thoughts."

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and happiness, is often associated with rewarding experiences. Kumar reportedly believed that slapping strangers might lead to positive outcomes in his life. "He thought that perhaps something good might happen by doing a few bad things," said a police officer privy to the case.

Incidents Caught on Camera

Videos of Kumar's actions, captured on CCTV and circulated online, depicted him slapping pedestrians while riding his scooter. One clip showed him striking a retired PCS officer walking on the street. Another incident involved a woman, reportedly related to a local politician, who filed a complaint after being slapped without provocation.

Following these reports and mounting evidence, Kumar was arrested and booked under Section 115 of the Indian Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.

Questions About Mental Health

Authorities are examining whether Kumar’s actions stem from an undiagnosed medical condition. "It seems Kumar has a medical condition, but it is unclear whether he receives medication. We're collecting more information about his background to ascertain all the facts," said Ilam Singh, SHO of Nauchandi.

Despite his arrest, Kumar’s statements have raised questions about mental health awareness and the need for accessible support systems. According to the police, Kumar’s struggles with his family dynamics and unemployment pushed him toward this bizarre coping mechanism.

The slapping spree has sparked a mix of outrage and concern in Meerut. Many questioned the safety of public spaces, while others pointed to the lack of mental health resources for individuals like Kumar.

This incident sheds light on the pressing need for mental health education and the importance of addressing such issues before they manifest in harmful behaviors.