Rising Suicides Among Indian Security Personnel Raise Concerns Over Mental Health

NEW DELHI: A series of suicides involving Indian security personnel has renewed concerns over mental health, financial stress and working conditions within the country’s security forces.

Recent incidents involving personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Uttar Pradesh Police have highlighted the pressures faced by some serving personnel.

According to Deccan Chronicle, CRPF constable Poon Kumar died by suicide after reportedly facing financial difficulties and mounting debt.

The Times of India reported that a 24-year-old SSB personnel posted at a camp in Kishanganj, Bihar, died by suicide while on duty, using his service rifle.

Another 24-year-old Uttar Pradesh police constable, Ashish Verma, also died by suicide while on duty, with the report linking the incident to financial difficulties and mental stress.

The individual circumstances of such cases vary, and official investigations are generally required to establish the causes behind each death.

Lok Sabha member Chandrashekhar Azad has raised broader concerns over the issue.

According to Azad, 749 personnel died by suicide between 2021 and 2025, highlighting what he described as severe pressures within India’s security institutions.

He argued that the figures indicated Indian personnel were not only dealing with national-security responsibilities but were also struggling with problems arising from the system in which they serve.

The reported incidents have renewed discussion about mental-health support, financial assistance and working conditions for security personnel.

Long working hours, separation from families, operational pressure, financial difficulties and limited access to mental-health services can contribute to psychological stress among security personnel, although the causes differ from case to case.

The reported increase in suicides has therefore prompted calls for stronger institutional support, including counselling services, financial guidance and mechanisms to identify personnel experiencing severe psychological distress.

Critics argue that repeated cases of suicide warrant greater attention to the welfare of serving personnel and the effectiveness of existing support systems.

The issue is significant not only for the individuals and families affected but also for the operational readiness and morale of security institutions.

The recent cases and the figures cited by the lawmaker have consequently intensified debate in India over whether adequate measures are being taken to address mental health, financial stress and workplace pressures among security personnel.