A forest range officer’s letter seeking permission to die by suicide along with his family creates sensation in Kerala

Jaleel, who functions as a working plan range officer in Kerala’s famed hill town of Munnar, was unavailable for comments.

Jaleel’s reason for suicide

In the letter, which created a sensation after local television channels broadcast its content, Jaleel claimed that a superior officer withheld his salary for many months along with his General Provident Fund (GPF). The letter said that personal vendetta was the reason behind the denial of salary and other benefits, which made his life difficult.

Jaleel claimed that he was seeking permission to die by suicide when other options, including a transfer, suspension, voluntary retirement, or termination from his job, were not enforced by his superiors despite repeated requests.

He asked for permission to kill himself and his family, as things had already gone beyond his control.

The letter’s accusation is directed at the Munnar Working Plan Officer of the Forest Department, who, with the exception of Jaleel, pays salaries and benefits (including GPF) to every other forest division employee on schedule.

Forest Minister AK Saseendran, who is recovering at a local hospital following a brief illness, told South First over the phone that he came to know about the development only via news reports on TV and sought a detailed report from all concerned.

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