A social welfare officer committed suicide at his office in Pavagada, Tumkur on Friday (March 20) evening leaving behind a video message alleging harassment by a superior, police said. The deceased, who has been identified as Mallikarjun had been serving in the Pavagada Social Welfare department for the past three years. His service tenure was reportedly due to end within a week.
According to preliminary information, Mallikarjun recorded a video before his death and shared it with colleagues. In the video, he allegedly blamed harassment by Krishnappa, Joint Director of the Social Welfare department in Tumkur, as the reason for his decision.
In the video, Mallikarjun can be heard expressing gratitude towards his family his mother, wife, and children for their care and support. He also stated that he wished he could have done more for them and appealed to his family not to seek revenge, saying that justice would be served.
“My mother, my wife, my children – my entire family has looked after me very well. They have given me respect. But I had to help them. I wanted to help them more, and I am unable to do that,” Mallikarjun said in the video as per a report by NDTV.
“Because of harassment by Krishnappa from the social welfare department, I have to take this step. God will punish him. Since his family is not at fault, my family members need not take revenge on them. God and the law will definitely punish him,” he added.
Pavagada police visited the spot and conducted an inspection. A case is yet to be registered, and further investigation is underway to verify the allegations mentioned in the video.
The case comes on the same day, when a Booth level officer (BLO) allegedly attempted suicide by jumping into a river in Kasaragod district. The deceased has been identified as Savad (31) a native of Mogral Puthur and a teacher at Cherkala Government Higher Secondary School.
According to reports, Savad parked his bike on the Mogral bridge before jumping into the river. He was later rescued and rushed to Kasaragod General Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment in critical condition. Further details regarding the incident and the circumstances leading to the attempt are yet to be ascertained.
(With Inputs from Imran Khan)
