KOCHI: Another official of the state police force was found to have committed suicide. The dead is Biju, a senior civil police officer at Piravom police station and a native of Ramamangalam. He was found dead by his neighbors around 12 noon on Tuesday. The body has been shifted to Piravom Taluk Hospital. The initial conclusion is that it is a case of suicide. There is no abnormality in the death and personal reasons are cited as the reason for the suicide.
A policeman committed suicide by shooting himself in the Special Police Camp in Areekode the other day. This was followed by another suicide in the force. Policemen are taking the drastic step due to severe mental stress. A cop committed suicide the other day as he was not granted leave to be with his pregnant wife, take care of their dying parents and to be with families on their wedding anniversary. The DGP's circular has stated that policemen should be given leave for children's birthdays and other necessities, but it is not followed.
From May 2016 to June 2024, 130 police officers committed suicide in the state. There were about 300 suicide attempts. More than 900 police officers applied for voluntary retirement. About 200 people voluntarily retired. Most of the suicides were due to the workload and mental stress. Howe the government said family and financial problems are the main reason. Although the duty is for eight hours, there are stations where the work is for 12-18 hours. Along with this, there is harassment and abuse by superiors and severe punishment for minor crimes.
Counselling and yoga were tried to make the policemen mentally strong. A committee including psychologists was also formed to solve the mental and family problems of the personnel. The DGP ordered that those with mental disorders be sent for counselling and that period be considered as duty. Yet, sad incidents are recurring. Among those who committed suicide, there are two DySPs, seven CIs, and 19 SIs. Stress and financial management are subjects in police training. The police say that they allow rest and days off to reduce work stress. There is a study after suicides in the police force. Social police are learning new things through Google Form survey.