Andhra Pradesh: Man dies by suicide at police station amid harassment claims

A man died after consuming insecticide at a police station in Sri Sathya Sai district. While allegations of harassment arose, police and the deceased's brother stated the death was a suicide due to personal mental stress, not police negligence.

A man has died after allegedly consuming insecticide within the premises of Gorantla Police Station in Sri Sathya Sai district. The deceased has been identified as Shyampuram Mahesh. According to allegations, Mahesh was called to the police station after he demanded payment for work he had completed. It is alleged that he was harassed at the police station, following which he took the extreme step, an official release from the SP office stated.

Police, Family Clarify Cause of Death

However, the deceased's brother, Shyampuram Harish, clearly mentioned in his written complaint that Mahesh died by suicide due to mental stress arising from personal issues, and that no individual, organisation, or police personnel was responsible for the incident. Additionally, in connection with his death, Penugonda DSP Narsingappa clarified that the incident occurred purely due to personal reasons and mental stress, and there was no negligence on the part of the police, the release informed.

The DSP also stated that the police responded promptly and took immediate rescue measures, and appealed to the public not to believe rumours and misinformation circulating on social media. The Circle Inspector also urged the public not to believe baseless rumours being spread on social media. The police are clarifying facts to prevent any misunderstandings among the public regarding this case.

Deceased's History of Mental Stress

The deceased, Shyampuram Mahesh (38), a resident of Vanavolu village, Gorantla Mandal, had earlier worked at Hatsun Milk Dairy. Due to his provident fund amount remaining pending, he was reportedly under severe mental stress.

Police Account of the Incident

According to the release, on Friday evening, following a Dial-100 call regarding a minor dispute in Mallela village, Blue Colts police personnel immediately reached the spot and resolved the issue amicably. They advised the deceased that he could lodge a complaint at the police station if required. Later, while at Gorantla Police Station, the deceased suddenly consumed a poisonous substance.

Upon noticing this, police personnel acted without any delay and immediately shifted him to Gorantla Government Hospital, and subsequently to Hindupuram Government Hospital for better medical treatment. The police also informed the deceased's wife and relatives about the incident. Family members informed the police that Mahesh had been suffering from mental health issues and had made multiple suicide attempts in the past as well. Despite undergoing treatment, Mahesh succumbed on Friday night.

A case has been registered at Gorantla Urban Police Station as Cr. No. 05/2026 under Section 194 BNSS, and an investigation is being conducted as per legal procedures. Based on the available evidence, the incident has been confirmed as a case of suicide, the release noted.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)