New Delhi: At least 17 Delhi Police personnel committed suicide in the past three years due to personal and family problems, prompting the force to conduct stress management courses and frequent interactions by senior officials.
Two policemen have committed suicide in the capital this year so far -- one on January six and the other on March 02 -- while five personnel ended their lives last year, a senior police official said.
The year 2009 saw the highest number of seven suicides in the force, while three such incidents were reported in 2008, the official said.
However, the official said, the cases of suicide in the force were not "increasing day by day".
Sub Inspector Ajit Singh (59), posted at E-Block security lines near Krishna Menon Marg, shot himself dead on January 06 with the police suspecting family problems could be the reason. He was to retire this December.
The second incident this year was reported from KN Katju police station area where Sub Inspector Rishi Shankar (30) allegedly committed suicide by hanging in his residence on March 02. The reason for him committing suicide was not known.
According to the official, the exact cause of suicides could not be ascertained in any of the 17 cases. "However, the cause of suicides in some of the cases was personal problems and family circumstances," the official said.
Asked about the measures taken by the city police to address the problem, the official said courses on stress management and meditation were being held regularly to reduce stress level among personnel.
"`Sampark Sabhas` are held regularly by immediate and supervisory officers to redress the grievances of police personnel," he said.
As part of welfare measures, a number of schools, both at primary and secondary levels, are being run in various parts of the city, he said, adding, to redress the problem of housing, over 7,000 residential living units are under various stages of construction.
"Apart from shift duties, regular rest and rotation in duties are given to police personnel," he said.
PTI
