THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: More than 12 hours of duty, severe scolding from superior officers... the number of policemen who commit suicide unable to bear the mental pressure is increasing. An average of 16 policemen commit suicide in Kerala every year. 80 people committed suicide in seven years. This includes one DySP, 5 CIs, 17 SIs, 26 CPOs, 7 women CPOs, and trainees.

The latest cases of suicides are that of senior CPO Jobi Das of Kalamassery AR Camp and CPO Shafi of Mala who took their own lives after being tortured and withheld benefits by their superiors. Yesterday, sports player Havildar of Peroorkada SAP camp tried to commit suicide by cutting his wrist.

Following an increase in suicide cases, yoga and counseling were introduced to help police officers with their mental health. To address the psychological and familial problems of police officers, a commission of psychologists was also established. The DGP mandated that police officers with mental health concerns be sent for counseling while still being counted as on duty at that time. Yet, the tragic occurrences keep happening.

A female SHO in Wayanad had run away while on duty due to excessive workload. Another policeman named Nawaz, who ran away following mental torture from the Assistant Commissioner, was later found in Coimbatore. Nawaz is now DySP.

The DGP had issued a directive that policemen should not be given continuous duty for a longer duration of time. However, this is not being followed. There are also incidents where policemen collapse while on continuous duty. Meanwhile, some policemen with political influence are enjoying life by taking on lighter duties.