A young police constable attached to the Konkan Railway police station jumped off the new Zuari bridge last Friday evening and committed suicide with his body retrieved on Sunday at an MPA berth. A video by the 22-year-old police constable who hailed from Cuncolim was doing the rounds on Monday where he speaks about taking the drastic step of committing suicide because of the harassment and mental torture inflicted on him by a lady police constable and her brother. The video also mentions his rocky relationship with a lady constable. In the video which appears to be shot at the Zuari bridge minutes before he took the drastic step, the constable is seen apologising to his parents and the people of Goa and seeks justice.
The heart-wrenching video stirs emotions of a different kind and serves as a bleak reminder of the silent battles fought by the men in khaki. Policing has been a tough job where the force is under constant watch and scrutiny. In current times the challenges are enormous. Police are often fighting regular battles — long hours, exposure to traumatic situations and complex work-related stressors, besides the baggage of personal lives.
The suicide cases highlight a growing concern regarding mental health issues among policemen, exacerbated by work pressures and personal stresses. The conversation that emerged from this video shows a deeply troubling picture of the relentless mental torture the victim was enduring. Vulnerability, frustration and despair were written all over. The incident exposes gaps in providing adequate support systems.
While we analyse policemen from the pure perspective of law enforcers, one often fails to factor in the mental and emotional aspects. Systemic issues plaguing those tasked with protecting us, including looking at their psychological and emotional well-being have been largely out of focus. The suicide is a poignant reminder that there are hidden struggles that require understanding and mental support systems. There have been nearly a dozen cases in the recent past where police personnel have decided to take the extreme step of ending their lives, the previous one being a 23-year-old constable hailing from Shiroda and attached to the Escort Cell who shot himself after a few months in service.
Agreed that the pervasive stigma prevents many individuals from seeking mental help within and outside the police force, but that's the challenge of including it in the regimen. There is an ardent need to prioritise mental health. Providing alternative support systems will go a long way in resolving issues before they escalate to the level of ending one's life.
On a positive note, there have been encouraging reforms in the force — from fitness, training and work environments. The Fit Goa Police is an excellent initiative and so is the attention given to Body Mass Index. Many in the police have undertaken gym routines besides yoga, and the change is visible. However, mental health is an area that has been largely ignored. There is an urgent need to understand that psychological well-being, stress management, and maintaining healthy relationships are crucial aspects that complete the mind-body symmetry. A fit body and mind can not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also set new benchmarks for a robust workforce.
