Number of cops dying goes up in 3 years

The number of police officers dying both on and off duty has been increasing in the last three years, as per the details under the Right To Information (RTI) Act. The numbers include deaths by suicide.

While 142 cops died in in 2013, the number jumped to 149 in 2014 and further increased to 164 in 2015. In 2016 till March, 46 police personnel had died. The details were provided to applicant Chetan Kothari, who had sought to know the total number of police officers dying both on and off duty, including those who committed suicide.

No information, however, was provided about the reasons behind the deaths. The number of normal deaths was 137 in 2013, 146 in 2014 and 157 in 2015. In 2016, all deaths were reported to be under natural circumstances.

Kothari said, "The reason behind the deaths may be too much mental and physical stress. On the one hand, there is a severe crunch of policemen, and on the other hand, so many of them are deployed for VIP security. That apart, the harsh weather at times adds to their problems. Police department should take care of their personnel," said Kothari. dna tried contacting the police commissioner but he did not answer the call.

Year

Total

Normal death

Suicide

2013

142

137

5

2014

149

146

3

2015

164

157

7

March 2016

43

43

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