HYDERABAD: Telangana’s police force, often praised for its performance, is grappling with a quiet but devastating crisis: an increasing number of officers are dying by suicide, driven by excessive workloads, psychological pressure, and personal hardships.
In the latest tragedies, constable Deepika from Nagole police station and Neelima from Warangal district took their own lives under varied but deeply troubling circumstances. Their deaths reflect a disturbing trend within the force.
Police personnel say they are under relentless strain—some struggle with mounting debt, others with harassment from superiors or unmanageable professional expectations. Many admit they are unable to confide in anyone about their distress, and the lack of institutional mental health support only deepens the isolation.
Behind the uniform: pressure without relief
According to fellow officers, over the past 13 months, at least 20 suicides have occurred among Telangana police personnel. Most of these cases involved junior staff posted at local stations, who face the brunt of operational demands.
The workload has surged significantly in recent years. Extended duty hours, irregular shifts, and the emotional toll of law enforcement work have compounded their mental stress. While the force recently earned first place in the India Justice Report, recognising it as the country’s top-performing police system, officers say such accolades do not reflect the conditions at the ground level.
“We’re stretched thin,” said one officer, speaking anonymously. “The pressure to deliver never stops, but there’s no support to help us cope.”
Unseen struggles behind the statistics
What makes the situation even more alarming, officers say, is the lack of any visible effort to address the issue of mental well-being. While high-ranking officials highlight technological upgrades and operational success, few acknowledge the human cost being paid by those on the front lines.
Unlike many other professions, police work often isolates personnel socially and emotionally. The expectation to maintain composure in the face of trauma, crime, and constant vigilance leaves little room for vulnerability—let alone seeking help.
Many officers believe that unless the state introduces structured mental health interventions, stress-related deaths will continue to rise. There is growing demand for confidential counselling services, peer support programmes, and regular psychological assessments across all levels of the force.
The silent crisis within Telangana’s police department serves as a stark reminder that performance metrics alone cannot capture the full picture. Behind every uniform is a human being—and for far too many, the burden has become unbearable.
