Team Herald
PANJIM: Recent suicides and suicide attempts among Goa Police personnel, particularly at the constabulary level, highlight the mental health challenges faced by those in the force. Stress, depression, and the lack of support structures are seen as pressing issues, prompting the need for systemic interventions.
Former constable and now criminal lawyer Adv Babu Korgaonkar highlighted the intense pressures faced by lower-ranking police staff. “Personnel like writers and those maintaining crime records are under tremendous work pressure. At times they get no offs and are often shunted around for bandobast duties. This shatters their peace of mind. To make matters worse, senior officers also harass them. Counselling for cops in need of the hour. Constables should be posted within 20-km of their residence so that they can travel between home and work. Sadly, postings today are based on political pressure. Those who work, must slog it out and those with good political connections get to take it easy.”
Adding to the conversation, Retired Superintendent of Police Sammy Tavares said, “Very often suicides are because of relationships breaking down. Many of the younger generation are addicted to casinos and end up wasting their salaries and even withdrawing money from their provident fund to gamble. They often lose their money and since they come from economically weaker sections of society, they cannot cater to the demands of their families, thus leading them to depression.”
A senior police official, requesting anonymity, shared that new recruits with political connections often secure favourable postings, leaving other personnel to shoulder extra duties, a dynamic that contributes to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. “It is difficult to reprimand the lower staff for dereliction of duty as the higher-ups immediately receive calls from politicians not to initiate any action against them. There are others who are involved in private businesses set up in the name of their spouses; they take up postings close to their residences and refuse to report to duty. The result is those who have no political backing are forced to work round-the-clock which ultimately depresses them often leading to disastrous consequences,” he said.
Another senior cop says that very often constables who manage to get transfer orders due to harassment by their bosses are not relieved and mentally tortured for months together by the PIs and their henchmen thus leading them into depression and suicidal tendencies. “This should not happen and those responsible for such harassment should be pulled up,” said a cop on condition of anonymity.
Sabina Martins, convenor of Bailancho Saad, pointed to rising suicide rates Statewide and noted that money problems and relationship issues are common stressors. “Financial debt, inability to repay the money mostly spent in casinos and relationship problems are the main issues often driving people to take the extreme step. Government agencies should do a thorough investigation and find solutions,” she said.
Dr Peter J Castelino, Director of NGO COOJ, spoke of the importance of resilience and seeking support. He said, “People should know how to handle their stress. You should have resilience and the capability to deal with the issue failing which suicidal ideas become stronger. When you are in a vulnerable position, you should seek help. If a friend cannot help, professional help should be sought.” COOJ has launched a Suicide Helpline at 6361612525, available Monday to Friday, from 1 pm to 7 pm.
Dr Abhijit Nadkarni, co-director of Sangath, which deals with addictions and mental health research, suggested that the police department must build an environment free of stigma where personnel feel comfortable seeking help. “First thing you will have to know what went wrong and where to seek help. Responsibility also falls on the system and not on the individual only,” he pointed out.
GOACAN Coordinator Roland Martins advocated for a dedicated budget to establish stress management programmes within the Goa Police. “It’s time for the Goa Police Department to accept that suicides by their personnel are a reality. I had flagged this issue and spoken to SP (Training) Sucheta Dessai and told her about the need for intervention. In coordination with COOJ, the Goa police can put in place stress management programme and train volunteers,” he said.