EastEnders aired harrowing scenes on Thursday (April 23) as Ravi Gulati (Aaron Thiara) attempted to take his own life and was subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act. The episode, now available on BBC iPlayer, depicted the former restaurateur's mental health crisis reaching a devastating climax.
Ravi's Long Struggle
Ravi has been struggling with his mental health for months after agreeing to become a police informant in exchange for his freedom. He was arrested for his role in a drug dealing operation on the Square, which had manipulated Harry Mitchell (Elijah Holloway) and Kojo Asare (Dayo Koleosho) under the control of Okie (Aayan Ibikunle Shoderu).
The aftermath of the drugs operation took a severe toll on Ravi. Earlier this year, Harry and Nicola Mitchell (Laura Doddington) spiked him, causing hallucinations of his deceased father Nish Panesar (Navin Chowdhry). In a confused state, Ravi attacked his own son Nugget (Juhaim Rasul Choudhury), who was hospitalized and later diagnosed with epilepsy. Ravi was devastated to learn he was responsible.
Self-Harm and Confession
Ravi began self-harming and confessed to drug dealer Mark Fowler Jr (Stephen Aaron-Sipple) that he was the informant. Priya Nandra-Hart became deeply concerned and asked Jack Branning (Scott Maslen) to allow Ravi to stop informing. However, Ravi's mental health continued to deteriorate. Believing his loved ones were in danger, he bought new locks and refused to let his family leave the flat.
Nugget noticed bruises on Priya's arm, leading Ravi to confess his role in the attack. To escape, Priya claimed they would be safer outside and stole a car, driving towards Walford General Hospital. Ravi realized her plan, but as Nugget suffered a seizure in the back seat, their car collided with a vehicle driven by Max Branning (Jake Wood) and Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins), causing a catastrophic crash.
The Bridge Scene
After the crash, Ravi refused to leave the car. At the hospital, he asked to check on Nugget, but Priya advised against it. Nugget made it clear he no longer looked up to his father. Devastated, Ravi returned to the Square and went to a bridge, standing at the edge with the intention of taking his own life. His family watched in horror as Priya raced to stop him, pleading with him to reconsider.
Nugget desperately begged Ravi not to go, shouting 'don't go' in heartbreaking scenes. Hearing his son's plea, Ravi climbed back to safety and hugged his family. However, police arrived to section him under the Mental Health Act, leaving Priya heartbroken.
Next Week: Diagnosis and Therapy
Next week, Ravi receives a diagnosis of complex PTSD and begins therapy sessions. EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One or streams from 6am on BBC iPlayer.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Contact Samaritans on 116 123 or visit their website.
