A trainee police officer faced bullying and racism at work before his tragic death, his father revealed during an inquest. Anugrah Abraham, 21, hailing from Bury, Greater Manchester, expressed fears of losing his job and recounted nightmares where his station sergeant would strangle him by sitting on his chest, testimony given at the Rochdale Coroners Court disclosed. The atmosphere was described as having a pervasive “bullying and racism culture”.
The allegations, voiced by his father Amar Abraham, were disputed by the West Yorkshire Police (WYP), with the force’s legal representative dismissing the claims. Anugrah was reportedly struggling to balance the demands of his role as a trainee officer alongside university coursework as part of a degree apprenticeship with WYP.
Mr. Abraham narrated how his son, the youngest of three siblings born in Delhi, had opted to pursue a career in the police force in October 2021. However, issues arose following his assignment to the Halifax police station in April 2022. An emotional Mr. Abraham recounted his son’s distress over the bullying and racism he faced, sharing how Anugrah felt overwhelmed and unsupported in his final days.
The young officer’s concerns were further revealed as he confided in his father about feeling pressured and undervalued at work. Anugrah had disclosed instances of being singled out for criticism and believed he was being manoeuvred towards dismissal through a “management plan”. Despite receiving commendations from some colleagues, the oppressive atmosphere took a toll on his mental well-being.
Amidst struggling with low moods, stress, and anxiety, Anugrah sought solace in a visit to his doctor in June 2022, where he didn’t identify specific triggers for his emotional turmoil. In the lead-up to his tragic demise, he was granted study leave and traveled to Amsterdam with friends, yet the spectre of work-related stress loomed large.
Mr. Abraham relayed the harrowing details of his son’s nightmares and escalating fears, culminating in Anugrah’s decision to seek alternative employment before his untimely passing. On March 3, 2023, the day before his scheduled return to work, Anugrah was discovered deceased in nearby woodland.
While WYP highlighted the support structures in place for Anugrah, including mentorship, occupational health referrals, and assistance with dyslexia, questions linger over the young officer’s mental health struggles in the face of workplace challenges. The inquest, set to unfold over three weeks, aims to shed light on the circumstances leading to Anugrah’s demise.
For those grappling with distress or in need of support, resources like Samaritans (116 123 in the UK and ROI) and the USA-based 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provide confidential assistance round the clock. Each individual’s well-being is paramount, underscoring the importance of addressing mental health concerns in all spheres of life.