The recent suicides of two policemen in Chennai was due to personal problems and the State government is taking steps to ensure that the police personnel got sufficient rest and were in good health, Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami informed the Assembly on Monday.
Responding to concerns raised by DMK MLA B. Ranganthan (Villivakkam) about the suicides of constable Arunraj and sub-inspector Sathish Kumar, Mr. Palaniswami said enquiries into the incidents revealed that both had taken the extreme step because of personal problems.
“However, the State government is taking steps to reduce depression related to work and ensure their health,” the Chief Minister said.
Weekly rest and eight-hour duty were being ensured as far as possible in cities.
Besides the weekly parade, physical exercise and yoga had been made a part of the regimen for personnel attached to all police stations in the State.
Medical camps for the benefit of personnel and their family members were being arranged in police stations as well as in police quarters, the Chief Minister added.
On March 4, constable Arunraj, who was in the sentry duty at the memorial of former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa shot himself with his service rifle. On March 7, police sub-inspector Sathish Kumar shot himself with his service rifle at the Ayanavaram police station.
Responding to other allegations made by Mr. Ranganathan about the law and order situation in the State, the Chief Minister said Tamil Nadu was reported safe for women as per a report of the National Crime Records Bureau.
Coimbatore and Chennai were reported safe under the major cities and metro cities categories respectively, he said.
The Chief Minister listed various steps taken by the State government, and refuted allegations that vacancies in the police force were not being filled.
