11 TN cops die in a week, six of them by suicide

Though senior officers say the reason behind suicides are more personal than professional – and even downplay it saying that it was only a reflection of the overall statistics from the State, which has 10.1 per cent of the suicides reported in the country – many do admit that the police work is a stressful job.

The ‘non-stop duty time’ certainly takes a toll and most of them do not get to spend time withtheir families.

“Many do not get a chance to take a break, and they work without taking weekly off because they are either asked to work or they get extra allowance for it. It is important to take the weekly off and be with family without worrying aboutthe work,” noted a senior officer from the administrative wing.

The personnel in the lower rank are also frustrated because the job of a police official in reality do not match the expectations.

When asked about the stress that is even leading to the extreme step, Tamil Nadu police head JK Tripathy said the department was conducting well-being programmes for them.

“The personnel are attending such programmes. We are studying the probable provocations to plan interventions,” he added.

About two years ago, Madras high court Judge N Kirubakaran asked what the fate of the State would be if all the personnel went on strike for just an hour.

“Working round-the-clock, 365 days a year, the police personnel need adequate rest,” he had said while hearing a petition highlighting the pathetic service conditions of police personnel in the State.

However, nothing seems to have changed since then.