262 BSF personnel committed suicide in last eight years

A total of 262 BSF personnel have committed suicide in the last eight years with the maximum taking the extreme step due to domestic problems.

Union Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh told Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that these suicide cases took place between 2004 and 2012.

A study was done to ascertain the reasons behind the suicides but it covered only the period between 2007 and 2011.

"The study has concluded that of the 158 suicides during the period, the main causative factors were domestic/personal problems (75), psychiatric disorders (11), detection of HIV/AIDS (4), illness (3), love affairs (2), illicit relations of wife (2) and other unknown reasons (59) among others," he said.

The Minister said a committee of experts constituted by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) conducted a detailed study into the reasons of suicides by the troopers of this border guarding force.

"There were eight recommendations (to prevent suicide cases) which include avoiding isolation, take part in various activities, communicate with colleagues, family members and friends, keep away from alcohol and drugs, regular exercise and games, yoga, mediation and self-education about the cause of stress and how to cope with them," he said.

In reply to another question, Minister of State for Home M Ramachandran said 41 BSF personnel posted along the Indo-Bangladesh border fell victim to snake bites in the last three years and one personnel died due to this.

High ankle boots, jungle shoes and gum boots are provided to troops which cover their feet, lower portion of legs  and knees, Ramachandran said.