More CRPF men died due to heart-attack, depression when compared to naxal operations

Depression, suicides and heart attacks have claimed more lives in the CRPF when compared to operations and ambushes in in naxal violence hit areas in the past two years. The statistics were given by Union Minister of State for Home Hansraj G Ahir in the Rajya Sabha.

5 CRPF men were killed in 2015, 31 in 2016 and thirteen till April 4 this year in the three Left Wing Extremism affected states of Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand, the minister said. 476 personnel of the country's largest paramilitary died last year while 407 died in 2015 owing to non-operational reasons.

The data for last year shows 92 Central Reserve Police Force personnel died due to heart attacks, five due to malaria and dengue, 26 owing to depression and suicide and 353 due to other non-operational reasons.

In 2015, 82 troops of the force died due to heart attacks, 13 due to dengue or malaria, 35 owing to depression and suicides while 277 lost their lives due to other reasons.

The minister said that in order to boost the morale of the troops deployed in anti-Maoist operations measures like grant of risk allowance, house rent allownace and extension of facility for retention of government accommodation at the last place of posting is "already in place." "In addition, insurance and various advances and loans are given to ensure financial well being. Basic amenities like proper accommodation, medical facilities, timely evacuation of injured, better promotional avenues, gallantry awards, rewards/appreciations, grievance redress among others are being addressed, the minister also added.

OneIndia News