88 suicides in police force in last five years; excessive workload is reason, says Opposition 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Opposition on Monday staged a walkout from the Kerala Assembly alleging that the government was not taking steps to increase the strength of the force and reduce the workload of the officers despite 88 policemen committing suicide in the state in five years.

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PC Vishnunadh, who moved the adjournment motion notice, said that five policemen committed suicide within six days. He also read out in the Assembly the suicide note of a policeman named Jobidas. Opposition leader VD Satheesan also said that when criminals are given political protection, police officers are experiencing too much pressure.

In his reply, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the reason for most of the suicides in the police force are family, financial and health problems.

"It is generally seen that some police officers were forced to commit suicide due to mental conflicts brought on by family, financial, and health issues. It is a fact that official problems have also led to suicides. Steps will be taken to reduce this type of suicidal tendency. During the training period, policemen will be given training on financial discipline, martial arts and morale building. Implementing an eight-hour workday for police personnel statewide would not be possible at the moment. The government has already implemented it in 52 key stations. It will be extended to more stations in the future," the CM said.

VD Satheesan, who said that the police are controlled by the CPM district and area committees, asked whether the CM could confidently say that there is no external interference.

"Excessive workload is being imposed on policemen. The government is trying to make money by giving the police target to register as many petty cases as they can. The superior officers are using foul language against the subordinates," Satheesan said.