Kochi: In yet another tragic incident within the Police Department, a senior civil police officer from Ernakulam’s Piravom Police Station was found dead in a suspected suicide.

The deceased, Biju, a native of Ramamangalam in Kochi, was found hanging at his residence around 12 pm on Tuesday by neighbours. The body was later shifted to Piravom Taluk Hospital.

Preliminary investigations suggest suicide, with indications that personal issues may have led Biju to take this extreme step. Police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.

This incident comes on the heels of another suicide involving a police officer in the state. Just days ago, a policeman attached to the Special Operations Police Camp in Areekode died by suicide. Vineeth (36), a native of Mylaatipadi in Wayanad, was serving as a commando in the Special Operations Group. Colleagues alleged that mental stress caused by denial of leave might have been the reason for his death. Vineeth is survived by his wife and son, with his wife currently three months pregnant. He was rushed to the hospital by colleagues at around 9.30 pm on Sunday night after being found with a gunshot wound to the head. However, he was declared dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, Malappuram Police Chief R Vishwanath suggested that disappointment over failing a physical fitness test might have driven Vineeth to take his life. Addressing the media, the SP clarified that the allegations of harassment by senior officials and denial of leave were under review.

Vineeth, who joined the force in 2011, was part of several high-risk operations. He belonged to a police unit requiring rigorous physical fitness. Periodic refresher courses mandate officers to complete a five-kilometre run within 25 minutes. It is learned that Vineeth failed the test by a margin of 30 seconds, which may have caused significant emotional distress. The SP noted that this could have pushed him to take such a drastic step.

A detailed investigation has been initiated with Kondotty DySP Sethu assigned to probe the incident.

(Suicide is not a solution. Seek help of psychological counsellors. Call toll free helpline number: 1056)