Goa, Aug. 18 -- ANIL KUMAR MISHRA

A disturbing pattern of suicides and self-harm at tempts within the Goa Police and prison departments has exposed a silent, deep-seated mental health crisis among the State's law enforcement personnel. The recent suicide of 54-year-old Assistant Jailor at Colvale Central Jail and noted Konkani author Dr Ramnath Pandhari Gawade (also known as Dr R P Ga wade), following self-harm attempts by lower-ranking staff, has sparked intense scrutiny over institutional harassment, chronic un derstaffing, and the lack of trusted psychological sup port. As authorities scramble to defend existing wellness programmes, experts warn that a rigid institutional hier archy and the stigma of vul nerability are keeping thou sa...