August 5, 2025
RAIPUR – A Chhattisgarh Armed Forces (CAF) jawan has committed suicide at a Kondagaon district camp, the second such incident among security personnel within a week. Platoon Commander Dinesh Chandela, a resident of Bhilai stationed at Bayanar CAF camp, allegedly took his own life late Sunday night.
Earlier on last Wednesday, a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan, Pappu Yadav, died by suicide at a forward camp in Mingachal, Bijapur district.
Chandela, a native of Bhilai, was found seated in a chair with a gunshot wound around 10 PM. His colleagues, shocked by the scene, immediately secured the area while local police transported his body for autopsy. The cause of the suicide remains unknown, and a departmental inquiry has been initiated.
Just days before, 29-year-old CRPF jawan Pappu Yadav, a resident of Bihar’s Bhojpur district, had ended his life shortly after rejoining the 22nd Battalion following leave. He was found dead inside his barracks in Bijapur, another insurgency-hit district. The back-to-back incidents have ignited urgent discussions about psychological support systems within the forces.
Conflict zone journalist Neeraj Uikey stated, “Security forces in Chhattisgarh have achieved significant success in anti-Maoist operations, including the neutralisation of senior Maoist leaders in recent months. However, these back-to-back tragedies have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support.”
Authorities have assured a comprehensive inquiry into Chandela’s death, with particular attention to workplace stressors. Security analysts are advocating for immediate implementation of mental health support and grievance redressal within the armed forces to help prevent further tragedies.