Alarming Report Reveals Rising Suicide Rates Among Indian Security Forces

Suicide Rates Among Security Personnel in India

A shocking report has emerged regarding the Indian paramilitary forces, who, alongside the Indian Army, sacrifice their lives to protect the nation from internal and external threats. This report raises significant concerns.

On Wednesday, the state government informed the Chhattisgarh Assembly that over the past six and a half years, 177 security personnel, including paramilitary forces, have taken their own lives.

In response to a written question from senior BJP legislator Ajay Chandrakar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma provided details about the suicides and homicides involving security personnel. According to Sharma, from 2019 to June 15, 2025, 177 security personnel in the state have committed suicide.

The report indicates that among these, 26 were from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), five from the Border Security Force (BSF), three from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and one each from the Armed Border Force (SSB), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and Tripura Rifles. Additionally, other personnel who committed suicide were associated with various branches of the state police, including the Chhattisgarh Armed Force, Special Task Force, and Home Guard.

The CRPF, BSF, and ITBP have been extensively deployed in the Naxal-affected regions of the state. According to the Deputy Chief Minister's response, the number of suicides recorded was 25 in 2019, 38 in 2020, 24 in 2021, 31 in 2022, 22 in 2023, 29 in 2024, and eight by June 15, 2025.

The report also states that during the past six and a half years, 18 security personnel have been involved in homicide cases, some of which stemmed from interpersonal disputes where personnel shot at their colleagues.

Deputy Chief Minister Sharma, who also oversees the Home Department, mentioned in his written response that each incident is investigated thoroughly. During these investigations, statements from departmental officials, family members of the deceased, and other witnesses are collected for review and further action.

The investigations have revealed that the primary reasons for these incidents include familial issues, personal problems, alcohol consumption, health-related concerns, and sudden outbursts of anger leading to suicide or homicide. Sharma noted that all police superintendents and military officers are conducting various welfare activities to help strengthen the mental resilience of their subordinate personnel.