A social welfare officer in Karnataka’s Tumakuru district died by suicide, leaving behind a video message in which he alleged harassment by a senior official in his department.
The deceased, identified as Mallikarjun, was serving as an assistant director in the Social Welfare Department. He was found hanging in his office located in the Appa Bande area of Pavagada on Friday evening.
Before his death, Mallikarjun recorded a video and shared it with colleagues, claiming that he was being harassed by Krishnappa, the district director of the department. In the video, he said the alleged harassment pushed him to take the extreme step.
A native of Gunderlahalli in Pavagada taluk, Mallikarjun also spoke emotionally about his family, stating that they had always supported him and deserved more from him. He urged his family not to seek revenge, saying that “God and the law” would punish the person responsible.
Following the incident, the accused senior officer, Krishnappa, released a video denying all allegations. He stated that a notice had been issued to Mallikarjun based on a complaint received from the Bengaluru head office regarding alleged irregularities.
According to him, an inquiry had been initiated and was yet to begin. He also clarified that with only a few days left for Mallikarjun’s retirement, there was no risk to his pension and that he had supported the pension proposal.
Calling the death suspicious, Krishnappa demanded a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident.
Meanwhile, police in Pavagada have registered a case and begun an investigation. Authorities are examining the video message and other evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
