The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has formed a core group of ten senior officers with the aim of preventing incidents of suicide and self-harm among jawans. This action was taken in light of 59 suicide cases reported in the force in 2025, which is the highest number in the last five years.
According to officials, this new group will conduct a detailed investigation into each incident to ascertain what problems the jawans were facing. Based on the findings of this investigation, necessary steps will be taken to improve mental health, family issues, administrative systems, and welfare facilities for the jawans.
According to official data, 59 jawans committed suicide in the CRPF, which has approximately 3.25 lakh personnel, in 2025. Previously, 46 cases were registered in 2024, 57 in 2023, 43 in 2022, and 57 in 2021.
Out of a total of 262 cases reported between 2021 and 2025, over 80 percent of deaths were among constables level personnel. The data also revealed that in 202 cases, or more than 77 percent of cases, the jawans died while on duty, while the remaining incidents occurred during leave.
Officials stated that this new core group will identify common patterns and recurring risk factors seen in self-harm cases. Necessary measures will be taken at the institutional level based on this.
Officers reporting the incidents and the concerned supervisory officers will also present the incidents under their purview before the group. Additionally, the system will be strengthened to ensure timely intervention and accountability.
According to a statement by a senior commanding officer, factors such as long-term deployment, distance from family, and lack of balance between work and personal life are among the significant reasons behind these cases. CRPF officials say that previous investigations also revealed difficult service conditions and challenging duty roles along with family problems in most suicide cases.
CRPF is already undertaking several initiatives to improve the physical and mental health of its jawans, and these efforts are being continuously advanced.
In view of the rising suicide cases in the CRPF, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also become active. The Commission took suo motu cognizance based on media reports on August 14 and issued notices to the Union Home Secretary and the Director General of CRPF. The Commission has sought a detailed report from both parties on this matter within two weeks.