NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Suicides Among CRPF Personnel, Seeks Detailed Report Within Two Weeks.
New Delhi:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report concerning the reported deaths by suicide of 19 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel between January and May 22, 2026.
According to data reportedly compiled by the CRPF and cited in the media report, 19 CRPF personnel died by suicide in less than five months in 2026. The report also stated that the force recorded 59 suicides in 2025, the highest number reported in the last five years.
Taking note of the reported figures, the NHRC observed that, if the contents of the news report are found to be true, the matter raises serious concerns relating to the right to life of personnel serving in the country’s largest Central Armed Police Force.
Notices issued to Home Secretary and CRPF Director General
The Commission has issued notices to the Home Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Director General of the CRPF, seeking a detailed report on the matter.
The authorities have been asked to submit their reports to the Commission within two weeks.
The NHRC’s intervention follows a media report published on August 11, 2026, which highlighted the number of suicides among CRPF personnel over the past several years.
281 CRPF personnel reportedly died by suicide in five years
According to the reported CRPF data, a total of 281 personnel died by suicide during the five-year period from 2021 to 2025. Of these, approximately 216 personnel were reportedly on duty at the time.
The year-wise figures cited in the report are:
– 2021: 57 suicides
– 2022: 43 suicides
– 2023: 57 suicides
– 2024: 46 suicides
– 2025: 59 suicides
The figure of 59 suicides in 2025 was reportedly the highest recorded by the force during the five-year period.
NHRC raises concern over right to life
The Commission has stated that the reported figures raise serious human rights concerns, particularly with regard to the protection of the right to life of personnel serving in the CRPF.
The CRPF is the country’s largest Central Armed Police Force and personnel are deployed in demanding and challenging operational environments. The NHRC’s decision to seek a detailed report is aimed at obtaining further information on the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and the measures being taken by the authorities in response.
The Commission will examine the reports submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CRPF in light of the concerns raised by the reported data.
The NHRC’s suo motu action underscores the importance of addressing issues affecting the well-being and safety of security personnel and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to protect their fundamental human rights.
