Back-to-back incidents raise alarm over mental health and working conditions in the force
Two police personnel in Bihar allegedly died by suicide in separate incidents within a 24-hour span, both under mysterious circumstances.
The back-to-back cases have raised serious concerns about the safety, mental health, and working conditions of police officers in the state. According to media reports, high-level investigations have been launched into both incidents.
The first incident occurred late Monday night in Siwan district, where a 33-year-old Home Guard jawan, Rajkumar God, allegedly shot himself in the head using his service rifle. The incident took place around 11:50pm inside the Asav police station premises while he was on duty.
Rajkumar, a resident of Tikulia village under Darauli police station limits, reportedly died on the spot. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Gauri Kumari of Mairwa Sadar-2 rushed to the scene along with her team.
Station in-charge Rajshekhar confirmed the sequence of events while speaking to the media: “A sudden gunshot was heard, and Rajkumar collapsed. His INSAS rifle was found next to him. Initial findings suggest he used the weapon to take his own life.”
Though the motive remains unclear, early indications hint at possible family-related or psychological stress. The Siwan Superintendent of Police has ordered a high-level inquiry.
In a separate case, another police jawan, Amlesh Kumar, was found dead in his barrack room at the Bhabua Police Line in Kaimur district on the same day. Originally from Jamui district, Amlesh had returned from duty and was later discovered with a gunshot wound to the head.
“There was no sound,” said Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramanand Mandal. “His friend broke open the locked door after getting no response. He was found lying on the floor.”
Amlesh was rushed to Bhabua Sadar Hospital and later referred to Varanasi, but succumbed to his injuries en route. Superintendent of Police Hari Mohan Shukla visited the scene and ordered the sealing of the room. His mobile phone will be sent for forensic analysis.
Investigations in both cases are ongoing.
- With inputs from IANS
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