BSF Woman Constable Found Dead in Jammu in Second Such Incident in Weeks
JAMMU: A 31-year-old woman constable of the Border Security Force (BSF) was found dead in her family quarters at the Gadigarh camp on the outskirts of Jammu on Friday, in what officials said appeared to be a case of suicide.
Constable Vanita Rani, a native of Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, had joined the force in 2014 and was posted with the 165th Battalion. She was found hanging from a ceiling fan with a dupatta, according to preliminary reports.
Police stated that the exact cause of death has not been officially established. Her body has been sent to the mortuary for post-mortem examination.
This incident comes just over two weeks after another woman constable, 23-year-old Bishnu Priya Roy from West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district, died by suicide in her official residence in Jammu's Paloura area on June 29.
Officials have not indicated any connection between the two incidents. The BSF has not issued a formal statement on the matter. The families of both constables have been informed.
Mental health and well-being of personnel in paramilitary forces have been a subject of concern, with authorities periodically initiating counselling and support programmes. However, the effectiveness and reach of such measures remain under scrutiny.
The Jammu and Kashmir Police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Constable Rani's death. No suicide note has been recovered so far.
