In a tragic incident, a constable at the Kodnar security camp in Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district reportedly died by suicide. The constable, stationed in the Naxal-affected Bastar region, shot himself with his service rifle, resulting in a severe head injury. Despite being rushed to the district hospital in Narayanpur for urgent care, he passed away due to excessive bleeding.
Preliminary investigations by the police suggest that health-related issues might have played a role in the constable’s decision. Authorities are conducting further inquiries and legal procedures to understand the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. This unfortunate event underscores the mental health challenges faced by security personnel operating in high-stress conflict zones like Bastar, where extended deployments, isolation, and operational pressures can have a significant impact.
Recent cases in Chhattisgarh have raised concerns, with a Border Security Force (BSF) constable also dying by suicide in Horadi village just a week prior. The state has witnessed several instances of paramilitary and police personnel taking their own lives over the past year, reflecting a distressing trend. These incidents have been linked to the intense psychological stress associated with anti-Naxal operations, coupled with inadequate access to counseling and delayed leaves.
State government data from July 2025 revealed that a total of 177 security personnel, including 26 from the CRPF, had died by suicide between 2019 and mid-2025, often citing personal, family, or health-related reasons. Experts attribute these tragedies to the challenging nature of anti-Naxal duties and the lack of sufficient mental health support mechanisms. While authorities have introduced welfare measures such as grievance redressal and mental health assistance, there are ongoing calls for more robust interventions to address the well-being of security personnel amidst continued operations in the region.
