MUMBAI: A former scientist with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) allegedly committed suicide today on account of depression, police said here.
The 63-year-old Dr Uma Rao, who was also the President of Indian Women Scientists' Association (IWSA), was found unconscious by her maid this morning at her tenth floor residence in Runwal Centre, in suburban Govandi.
The maid informed her son Anurag, who lives nearby, said Assistant Police Commissioner Jalinder Khandagale.
"Anurag called a doctor, who declared her dead. She had consumed sleeping tablets in a large quantity," Khandagale said.
A suicide note left by her states: "I was suffering from depression since long time. Now it has become worse. I don't want to live any longer. Nobody is responsible for my extreme step."
Rao is survived by two sons. While Anurag lives here, the other son lives in the US, the ACP said.
According to family sources, Rao, who took a voluntary retirement from BARC in 2006, was suffering from various ailments, which might have prompted her to end her life.
Rao worked in the Food Technology and Cell Biology division of BARC, and later served in its Media Relations division.
She was actively involved in organising several all India conferences, and social and educational activities.
She also contributed to the National Genographic Project.