RTI data shows 398 on-duty deaths in Delhi Police; Security, NE on top

In the last five years, the national capital has witnessed numerous instances where Delhi Police personnel have been pushed to the frontlines, often at great personal risk. Many have paid with their lives, yet these losses rarely receive attention during their lifetime.

From the North East Delhi riots to unforeseen road accidents, fatalities have steadily risen since 2019. According to a Right to Information (RTI) reply received by Patriot, at least 398 police personnel have died on duty between January 1, 2019, and February 2, 2026.

Delhi’s cops under threat

According to the RTI data, the highest number of deaths—154—was recorded in the Security Wing, followed by the North East district with 66 fatalities.

In contrast, zero deaths were reported in several units, including Rohini district, Special Police Unit for Women and Children (SPUWAC), Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB), 7th Battalion, Railways, Rashtrapati Bhawan, Vigilance, Welfare, 8th Battalion, and Metro.

The pattern of fatalities reflects the nature of conflicts and operational risks in the city. Causes of death include road accidents, heart attacks, COVID-19, illnesses, bullet injuries, and brain haemorrhage. Two exceptional cases were recorded in the 5th Battalion: one due to a fire incident in 2022 and another due to rabies in 2025.

In 2022 and 2023, a total of 33 police personnel died on duty, with fatalities attributed to murder or reckless driving. In 2024, 14 personnel lost their lives, including five constables, two head constables, three assistant sub-inspectors, two sub-inspectors, and two inspectors.

In 2023 alone, 19 personnel died—seven head constables, six assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs), four sub-inspectors (SIs), one inspector, and one multitasking staff member. In comparison, 18 deaths were recorded in 2022.

“The role of a police officer carries inherent dangers,” an officer said. “There have been numerous instances where our officers faced physical danger, such as being attacked by members of the public or relatives of suspects during attempts to apprehend them.”

Officers on patrol also face constant risk from reckless drivers, especially during night duty.

“Several incidents have occurred where officers on patrol have lost their lives or sustained serious injuries while conducting vehicle checks at barricades,” the officer said. “These accidents are largely the result of dangerous driving, highlighting the perilous nature of these routine duties.”

Deaths in the force

In January 2026, Kajal Chaudhary, a 27-year-old Delhi Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commando, was allegedly assaulted by her husband and killed after being struck on the head with a dumbbell. The accused, Ankur, is said to have subjected her to repeated physical abuse.

In March 2025, Assistant Sub-Inspector Satyavir Singh died in a road accident while responding to an emergency call near the Burari flyover on the Outer Ring Road.

A senior police officer said that Singh, posted at Burari police station, was attending a PCR call regarding an accident at around 1:00 am. A lorry had struck a car and a traffic police officer, ASI Pradeep. While inspecting the scene, Singh was hit by a speeding motorbike and sustained fatal injuries.

While accidents remain common, other causes continue to claim lives. In October 2025, a 50-year-old Delhi Police ASI posted in the Security Wing died of a suspected heart attack while on duty at Tis Hazari Court.

CCTV footage showed the officer collapsing near an escalator at 9:22 am. Despite immediate assistance, he could not be revived.

On November 24, 2024, Constable Kiran Pal was stabbed to death by two accused in Govindpuri, South East Delhi.

Earlier, on September 18, 2023, Sub-Inspector Ganga Sharan was killed after being struck by a speeding car during a routine night patrol in Pandav Nagar, East Delhi. He was inspecting another vehicle at the time of the incident.

Highlighting the unpredictability of police work, an officer said, “When we are chasing or attempting to arrest a suspect, we often have no idea whether they are carrying a knife, a pistol, or other deadly weapons.”

In some cases, the circumstances surrounding deaths remain unclear. In October 2025, Sub-Inspector Narender, attached to the PCR unit, was found dead with a gunshot wound inside his car near LNJP Hospital.

The officer, a resident of Dilshad Garden, was found unconscious in his vehicle at around 10:15 am by a colleague. A police team later confirmed his death. He is survived by his wife, who is bedridden following a stroke, and two sons.

How Delhi Police supports families of the fallen

The Delhi Police Welfare Department provides financial compensation to families of personnel killed in the line of duty, based on the circumstances of death.

A compensation of Rs 25 lakh is awarded in cases involving violence by terrorists or anti-social elements during duty. This increases to Rs 35 lakh if the death occurs due to enemy action during international warfare, border skirmishes, or operations against militants.

For acts of gallantry involving external violence, compensation is set at Rs 30 lakh. A standard amount of Rs 25 lakh is provided for deaths occurring during official government duty.

Also Read: Silent stress: Rising suicides in Delhi Police point to mental health concerns

Additional benefits may be available if the deceased officer held an account with Axis Bank, depending on rank and years of service.

The compensation process begins with a recommendation from the Deputy Commissioner of Police concerned. A board of senior officials, including Special Commissioners, then reviews the case to determine the appropriate category. Any further assistance from the Delhi Government is provided at its discretion.

Additional funds are also disbursed through the pension and welfare cells of the Delhi Police.