Police sources say staff crunch and more working hours are the major reasons behind the surge that has led to 167 deaths in 2015, 21 more than 2014
The stress of the job seems to be taking a toll on the health of Mumbai police officers as 167 of them died last year due to various illnesses.
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration/Uday Mohite
The statistics released by the Mumbai police revealed that 21 more cops died last year than in 2014. While heart attack caused most of these deaths in 2014 (37) and 2013 (33), last year the prolonged illnesses proved the most fatal with 36 deaths.
Sources in the Mumbai police revealed that stress is the major cause of their ill health. Many policemen breathe their last while patrolling or manning traffic on the road, though the department does ensure timely pension and jobs to the deceased’s family members. Until the government recruits adequate staff and reduces duty hours for the police force, the policemen will continue to lose their lives, say sources.
Also read: Navi Mumbai cops de-stress at stress management workshop
When the contract between Oriental Association Company and Mumbai Police for the insurance of cops’ families expired on February 23, 2014, it was handed over to New India Assurance Company, which will expire in February 2017.
When contacted, the Deputy Commissioner of Police Dhananjay Kulkarni said, “We have maintained Maharashtra Kutumbh Arogya Yojna which gives free medical aid to the cops and their family members. On the other hand, we also keep organising free medical check-ups at every police station along with yoga classes for the cops. We have also built gyms for their health.”
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
