Two Suicides in Two Months Raise Alarms Over Mental Health Crisis in the Force
New Delhi: The Delhi Police force has been rocked once again by tragedy as Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Lalit Sirohi, posted at the New Usmanpur police station, allegedly died by suicide on Monday morning at his G D Colony residence.
The 8 am discovery of his lifeless body by his wife, who had just returned after dropping their children at school, has shaken the local police community and reignited serious concerns about the silent mental health battles within India’s law enforcement ranks.
“She found him lying in a pool of blood. He was immediately rushed to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital but was declared dead on arrival,” a senior police official confirmed.
Two-Year Struggle with Depression
According to initial findings, ASI Lalit Sirohi had been suffering from depression for the past two years. His family has reportedly informed the investigators that he had frequent bouts of anxiety and depressive episodes, though no professional help had been consistently sought.
“Prima facie, it appears to be a suicide. We are recording detailed statements from his wife and looking into recent behavioral changes,” the officer added.
No Suicide Note Found Yet
The crime team has seized the room in the rented flat for forensic examination. Officials are now scouring the scene and digital devices for any suicide note, last messages, or clues into his final moments.
The body has been preserved for postmortem, and further clarity is expected once the report is in. Investigators have not ruled out any angle and are proceeding with caution.
Second ASI Suicide in Two Months
This is not an isolated incident. On March 2, another Delhi Police ASI — Bhagat Ram (55) — who was posted at the Delhi Police Academy, Jharoda Kalan, allegedly died by suicide due to severe depression, which had been exacerbated by chronic liver disease and diabetes.
A PCR call was received at the BHD Nagar police station on the day of the incident. Bhagat Ram, too, had shown signs of declining mental health but never received the support he needed, sources say.
Mounting Pressure, No Mental Health Infrastructure?
These back-to-back cases have raised red flags about the psychological toll on police personnel, who often face long working hours, stressful situations, family strain, and lack of professional mental health support.
“The force needs structural mental health reforms. This cannot be brushed under the carpet anymore,” said a retired Delhi Police officer, calling for mandatory psychological counselling and periodic wellness checks.
A Force Under Stress
With increasing instances of suicide among law enforcement officers across the country, experts and civil rights groups are urging the Ministry of Home Affairs and Delhi Police top brass to introduce immediate intervention programmes, helplines, and dedicated mental health professionals within the force.
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