Syed Makdoom

Video speaks of the Canadian techie's pain at being separated from his son

Syed Makdoom, who killed himself in a fit of depression at his flat in Benson Town, had made a video before his death saying fathers should not be separated from their children.

Makdoom, a Canadian citizen who separated from his wife 18 months back, was seeking custody of his son Rehan. "The police informed us that he had made a video on his mobile phone. We did not see the entire video but we saw the last part in which he spoke of his pain. He said that fathers should not be separated from their children," said Virag Dhulia, of Save Indian Family Foundation.

Makdoom had also written four letters, one of which is addressed to Kumar Jagirdar of Child Rights Initiative for Shared Parenting (Crisp). "I have not been able to read the letter. The police have told me about it and I have to apply for the letter and the video through the court," he said.

Makdoom was a part of Crisp and spoke to Jagirdar regularly about his problems. "He did not call me before committing suicide and was not in touch for the past few days. He may have gone into  depression," he said.

Makdoom had committed suicide last Sunday but his body was discovered only on  Thursday. "His landlord grew suspicious when he didn't take his car out. He informed the police who broke open the door and found his decomposed body," said Virag.

Police have lodged an FIR against his wife and in-laws for abetting suicide.