Thiruvananthapuram: Throwing light on the the need for maintaining a work-life balancing and thus reduce the tremendous work stress, the rising suicide rates among policemen in Kerala continues with the latest case reported in the capital city where a Civil Police Officer named Madana Kumar employed in the City Traffic Enforcement has reportedly died by suicide.
Madana Kumar was found hanging inside his quarters in Poonthura in the outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram.
After examining the body, the police assume that the suicide had took place two days ago. Madana Kumar was living in the quarters for almost five months.
Madana Kumar’s death was reported amidst growing concerns of suicide tendencies among police officials.
As per official records, 82 policemen (Latest being Madana Kumar) have died by suicide in the past five years in Kerala, one of the highest cases reported in any state in the country.
The state police chief has recently taken steps to improve the confidence of the policeman who are in duty by providing the assistance of psychologist. However, the unpredictability of the job and the tremendous work pressure exerted on the men in duty takes a huge toll on them mentally.
Ernakulam Rural division has taken the welcome step of launching a support group that would assist officers facing mental trauma and other issues.
The initiative, possibly the first of its kind in Kerala, comes at a time when last police chief Vaibhav Saxena, operates under the guidance of the additional district superintendent of police (ADSP) and is overseen by Ernakulam Range DIG Putta Vimaladitya.
Speaking to TV9, Vaibhav Saxena, who is currently the Aluva Rural SP said that each case should be studied separately and should be dealt in a manner where the policemen and his family should be taken into account. wee
“One should understand that the problems faced by the officials are multifaceted. The job itself is highly unpredictable. A policeman who applies for a leave may be asked to join work on emergency situations. There are number of such instance happening these days. Our support system consists of senior police officers and team of ministerial staffs, psychologists and other officials who are providing assistance whenever required. It should be noted that we cannot go strictly by the rule book as it might take delays and, in all cases, one should deal it in a personal manner”, said Vaibhav Saxena.
“The group meets weekly to review activities and address complaints. Upon receiving a complaint or identifying an issue, the group quickly assesses the situation and implements the necessary corrective measures without delay”, he added.
In majority of the problems police personnel face, ranging from family issues to alcoholism, arises from an inability to spend sufficient time with family or friends due to the unpredictable nature of their duties, he said.
A special team has been constituted to probe the reason behind the death.
Throwing light on the the need for maintaining a work-life balancing and thus reduce the tremendous work stress, the rising suicide rates among policemen in Kerala continues with the latest case reported in the capital city where a Civil Police Officer named Madana Kumar employed in the City Traffic Enforcement has reportedly died by suicide. Kerala States News India: Top News India, States News, States News Headlines, Online State News India, State Politics news
