Kerala Police Commando Takes His Own Life After Leave Denial
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Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 16 (NationPress) A Commando associated with the Special Operation Group of the Kerala Police has tragically ended his life by shooting himself, officials confirmed on Monday.
Vineeth, aged 35, overwhelmed by work-related stress after his request for leave to support his pregnant wife was denied, used his service rifle to take his life on Sunday night at the police camp located in Areecode, Malappuram district.
This incident contributes to the alarming rise in suicides among Kerala Police personnel, with unofficial estimates suggesting that nearly 90 policemen have taken their own lives due to intense work pressure.
Vineeth was part of the Special Operation Group that conducts operations against Maoists.
A native of Wayanad, he had been continuously working for the last 45 days without a break, and despite his desperate attempts to secure leave, his superiors denied his request.
According to sources, the pressure of the situation became unbearable for Vineeth, leading him to the tragic decision to pull the trigger.
Following the incident, he was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately, he could not be saved.
Over the years, the Kerala Police Force, recognized as one of the finest in the country, has struggled with a significant shortage of personnel, which has resulted in an increased workload for the remaining officers.
In the last five years, numerous cases have arisen where officers have succumbed to work-related stress and taken their own lives.
In response, Kerala Police and the Home Department have initiated counseling sessions for officers, with around 6,000 personnel having already participated.
Interestingly, unlike many professions, the police force has not implemented a standard eight-hour duty structure for various reasons. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also serves as the Home Minister, acknowledged in the Kerala Legislative Assembly that they have only managed to introduce the eight-hour duty roster in 52 police stations.
Currently, there is a deficiency of approximately 14,000 police personnel. Many officers are required to remain on duty late into the night, particularly when cases involve female victims, necessitating the presence of female officers.
The authorities are further pressured as additional funds are essential, and the state has been experiencing a severe financial crisis, even as the demands for effective policing have surged.
