A 36-year-old police officer from in Kerala’s Malappuram district died by suicide, after shooting himself with his service revolver on Sunday, December 15. The deceased, identified as Vineeth, had served as a Thunderbolt commando in Malappuram before joining the Special Operations Group (SOG).
Vineeth, a native of Vythiri in Wayanad, was found lying in the washroom of his quarters at the Special Operations Police camp in Areekode, where officials were undergoing training. The incident occurred around 9:30 pm. Vineeth was immediately rushed to a hospital by his colleagues, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful.
Following the tragedy, controversy arose after a WhatsApp message allegedly sent by Vineeth surfaced. In the message, he expressed concerns about difficulties he was facing at the camp, including issues with his training and challenges with certain colleagues. The message also mentioned that his leave request for his wife's delivery had not been approved by his superiors.
Kalpetta MLA T Siddique suggested that Vineeth’s death may be linked to the harassment he allegedly faced within the police force. “There are several forms of oppression and harassment in the police force, and this death could be a result of such pressures. It should be treated as a case of murder,” Siddique told the media.
Vineeth’s body has been sent to Manjeri Medical College for postmortem.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.