Hyderabad constable dies by suicide at LB Nagar police station, family protests
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A constable of the Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate allegedly died by suicide at the LB Nagar Police Station in Hyderabad in the early hours of Wednesday, 12 August, officials confirmed. The deceased, identified as J. Sai Kumar, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in the restroom of the ACP office at the station premises.
How the Incident Unfolded
Sai Kumar, a 2024-batch constable attached to the ACP office for e-COPS duty, was on night duty when he was discovered at approximately 2:30 a.m. Colleagues rushed him to a nearby private hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. His body was subsequently shifted to Osmania General Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
According to officials, Sai Kumar was reportedly residing with friends at Karmanghat. The exact circumstances leading to his death are yet to be established, and police have registered a case and commenced a formal investigation.
Family Protests Outside Station
Sai Kumar's family members staged a protest outside LB Nagar Police Station following the incident. They expressed anger over what they described as the police failing to notify them before shifting the body to the hospital. The family has also demanded that his mobile phone be handed over to them as part of the probe.
Second Such Incident in Three Weeks
This is the second reported case of a police constable dying by suicide in Hyderabad within three weeks. On 23 July, a constable identified as Swamy, aged 40, allegedly shot himself with a service firearm at the Telangana Police Headquarters in Lakdikapul. He reportedly left a suicide note, stating that no one should speak against his wife and children, and that he would look after them even after his death. He was suspected to have taken the extreme step due to family issues.
The recurrence of such incidents within the city's police force has raised questions about the mental health support available to personnel, particularly those in junior ranks.
Investigation Under Way
Police said the exact circumstances surrounding Sai Kumar's death would be established during the ongoing probe. Authorities have not yet indicated whether a suicide note was found. The Malkajgiri Police Commissionerate is overseeing the investigation, and further details are expected as the post-mortem report becomes available.
The back-to-back incidents are expected to intensify scrutiny on welfare mechanisms for constables, who often bear the brunt of irregular duty hours and administrative pressures with limited institutional support.