NHRC notice to Centre over 19 reported deaths by suicide of CRPF personnel between January and May

According to a report by Scroll.in, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a formal notice to the Indian government regarding the rising number of suicides within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). The rights panel highlighted that between January and May 2025, the paramilitary force recorded 59 deaths by suicide, marking the highest such figure for the organization in a five-year period.

The NHRC's intervention seeks an explanation from the Centre regarding the circumstances contributing to these figures and the measures being taken to address the mental health and welfare of personnel. The paramilitary force, which is frequently deployed in high-stress environments across India, has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding the working conditions, long deployment cycles, and support systems available to its staff.

This development underscores broader concerns regarding the psychological well-being of security personnel in India's central armed police forces. While the government has previously outlined various welfare initiatives, including counseling services and stress management programs, the NHRC's notice suggests that current interventions may be insufficient to curb the trend. The Ministry of Home Affairs is expected to provide a detailed response to the commission's inquiry in the coming weeks.