Army refutes reports of rising suicide cases

The Indian Army today refuted media reports that number of suicide cases in the army has outnumbered deaths of soldiers killed during operations.

New Delhi, July 6 : The Indian Army today refuted media reports that number of suicide cases in the army has outnumbered deaths of soldiers killed during operations.

"While the Army is deeply concerned for every loss of life due to suicides, it is entirely untrue that the number of suicides in the Army out number deaths due to operations," a handout released by the army said.

It has supported its claim by elucidating the approximate ratio of suicide deaths in the army with operational causalities.

It stated that in the last four years (2003 - 2006) there has been approximately one suicide to 3.7 operational deaths, adding, "This year too, the suicides are far less in number as compared to the operational casualties."

The rising suicide cases came into focus after the death of a lady officer, Captain Megha Razdan, in Jammu on Sunday.

Defence Minister A K Antony had expressed concern over suicide incidents in the army and called for expedition of the investigation into the lady officer's death.

Earlier, media reported that there have been 53 cases of suicide in the army so far till June this year, and in 2006, there were 101 suicide cases, while in 2005 there were 75 cases.

Media reports had stated that the number of army personnel killed in operations against terrorists and insurgents this year was however, less than 50.

ANI