In Ranchi, a CRPF Trooper passed away during medical care on Sunday, following an alleged suicide attempt the previous day in Dhurwa region of Ranchi in Chhattisgarh, with claims from his relatives suggesting he faced persistent harassment from his superiors within the paramilitary organization.
Basant Kumar, a member of CRPF Camp 133 battalion, succumbed at Paras Hospital in Ranchi on Sunday morning. He was admitted to the hospital on Saturday evening after his suicide attempt at his residence.
Following his demise, Kumar’s spouse, Chanchala Sinha, along with his offspring Rituraj, asserted that he endured considerable distress due to continuous persecution and torment by one of his CRPF superiors. “He underwent prolonged anguish. There existed departmental coercion,” Chanchala asserted.
Kumar had undertaken duties across various states in the nation, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar, notably in areas afflicted by Naxal insurgency. Presently, he was assigned to culinary duties at the 133 battalion encampment, as mentioned by his son. Originally hailing from Vaishali district of Bihar, Kumar had dedicated 24 years of service to the CRPF.
Officials from Jagannathpur police station arrived at the hospital to obtain statements from the deceased’s family members. “We are scrutinizing the circumstances surrounding his demise,” stated a police official.
Incidents of suicide among paramilitary personnel represent a concerning aspect within the force, with data from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicating that 436 members of the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) took their own lives between 2021 and 2023, amounting to a total of 1,532 suicides since 2011.