Recent data shows a significant increase in cases across the military branches Recent data has revealed an alarming trend of rising suicides among Indian military personnel, with 787 cases reported in 2024 across various branches. According to international monitoring reports, the Army recorded 591 cases, the Air Force and Navy 160 and 36 cases respectively. . The Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) has also witnessed similar patterns. Between 2011 and 2023, 1,532 CAPF workers died by suicide, with 57 cases recorded in 2023 alone. The first half of 2024 has already seen 24 reported cases. Adding to these statistics is a recent incident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district where a soldier identified as Krishna committed suicide using his service weapon. This follows another incident last month involving personnel of CRPF 178 Battalion in Shopian district. The Confederation of Ex-Paramilitary Forces Welfare Associations provided further context, noting that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recorded approximately 430 suicides between 2014 and 2023. The organization’s president, Ranbir Singh, expressed concern that the number of suicides in recent years has risen beyond combat casualties. The Indian Army currently maintains a significant presence in various regions with over 800,000 troops and 300,000 members of the Central Reserve Police Force. Mental health experts emphasize the importance of addressing psychological well-being among service members. Historical data shows fluctuating patterns, with a minimum of 29 cases recorded in 2016, while a maximum of 57 cases were recorded in 2021. The year 2023 documented 120 suicides across all military branches, including approximately 100 members of the Army and 20 combined from the Air Force and Navy.
