Published Nov 06, 2024 | 11:57 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 06, 2024 | 12:43 PM
Three girls attempt suicide at government-run Sree Chitra poor home in ThiruvananthapuramRepresentational Image. (iStock)
A 35-year-old Karnataka government employee allegedly died by suicide at the Tahsildar office in Belagavi on Tuesday, 5 November, reportedly due to workplace harassment.
The deceased Second Division Assistant (SDA) is identified as Rudranna Yadavannavar (35) and is survived by his mother and wife.
It came to light after one of the staff of the Tahsildar office found Rudranna hanging in the Tahsildar officer on Tuesday morning.
Message sent by Rudranna.
On 4 November, Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan transferred Rudranna to Savadatti Yellamma Development Authority. He reportedly died by suicide a day after he was transferred from the Belagavi Tahsildar office.
A case has been registered at Khade Bazar Police Station. Following the incident, Roshan and Belagavi City Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (law and order) Rohan Jagadish visited the office. They met the family members also.
According to Police: “Rudranna had left a message on the WhatsApp group of Belagavi Tahsildar office staff that he is going to end his life on Monday.”
“He named Tahsildar Basavaraj Nagaral, Ashok Kabbaligar and Somu, who is said to be a state minister’s personal assistant. He had also sent a message to all staff members to fight against injustices in the office,” said the police adding that the probe is underway.
Rudranna’s mother Mallava Yadavannavar was in shock after learning about the death of his son.
Recalling the last moments with his son, Mallava told reporters: “We were having dinner together on the Monday night. He received a phone call. He left without completing the dinner. When asked about the call, he did not respond.”
“I could not find out who the caller was. He never spoke about harassment in his office. He slept after the call and I was unaware when he left for the office the next day,” Mallava said.
“He had left his mobile phone, watch and helmet in the house. I thought he had gone for a walk in the morning. We never expected that he would take an extreme step. He had taken ₹2 lakh from me, saying that he would get a transfer to a nearby place. I am not aware who he gave the money to,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP blamed Minister for Women and Child Welfare Laxmi Hebbalkar after the deceased government servant named Somu, who is said to be working with Hebbalkar’s staff.
Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly R Ashoka, in a post on X, slammed the state government and alleged that honest officials are becoming victims of corruption.
ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯನವರು ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಆದಾಗಲೆಲ್ಲ ರಾಜ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಮಾಣಿಕ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಕಿರುಕುಳ ಭಾಗ್ಯ, ಆತ್ಮಹತ್ಯೆ ಗ್ಯಾರೆಂಟಿ.
2013-18
☠️ಡಿವೈಎಸ್ಪಿ ಎಂ.ಕೆ.ಗಣಪತಿ ಆತ್ಮಹತ್ಯೆ
☠️ಕೋಲಾರ ಡಿಸಿ ಡಿ.ಕೆ.ರವಿ ಆತ್ಮಹತ್ಯೆ
☠️ಕಲ್ಬುರ್ಗಿಯ ದಕ್ಷ ಪೊಲೀಸ್ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿ ಮಲ್ಲಿಕಾರ್ಜುನ ಬಂಡೆ ಹತ್ಯೆ
☠️ಅನ್ನಭಾಗ್ಯ ಹಗರಣದ ಸಾಕ್ಷ್ಯ… pic.twitter.com/SZBEpGNOqC
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) November 6, 2024
Meanwhile, Minister Hebbalkar denied allegations regarding her role in the death of Rudranna.
“Primarily, such incidents should not happen. It came to my notice only after I saw it in the media. I was busy with various programmes as Minister for Tourism HK Patil was in the city. We will wait and see the outcome of the investigation,” said Hebbalkar.
Somu with Karnataka CM, Deputy CM and other leaders.
On a question regarding deceased Rudranna naming Somu, said to be the personal secretary of the Minister for Women and Child Welfare, in his last note on WhatsApp, Hebbalkar said: “I am not aware of this anything. I learnt it only after I saw it in the media.”
“I have never met him (Rudranna) for any office or personal work. The probe is underway to ascertain the facts,” said the minister.
Upon asking whether her personal secretary misused the minister’s name in this incident, she pointed out: “There will be 10 to 15 personal secretaries for a minister. These people will be looking after the works connected to the constituencies that were assigned to them.”
“I would not like to comment anything on the matter as it is under investigation. I would express condolences to the family over this tragic incident. I also appeal for a clean investigation on this matter.”
“I am also in contact with the officers concerned including Belagavi Deputy Commissioner (Mohammad Roshan). I have also given strict instruction to the officials to ascertain facts to put an end to assumptions being made in this case,” Hebbalkar stated.
She further stated that she has no qualms over the BJP protesting against her.
“I cannot oppose their protest. I would like to ask whether Laxmi Hebbalkar’s name was mentioned at any point in this case. Has Rudranna named Laxmi Hebbalkar as the reason for his decision?” she asked.
“The family members themselves said that Laxmi Hebbalkar does not know anything about this,” the minister said.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
