Chikkamagaluru Panchayat Worker Dies by Suicide Over 11 Months of Unpaid Salary

A gram panchayat waterman in Chikkamagaluru died by suicide, allegedly over 11 months of unpaid salary and loan harassment. A death note cited financial stress, while police have registered a case.

Chikkamagaluru: A gram panchayat waterman has died by suicide in Hunsemakki village here, after allegedly not receiving his salary for 11 months.

The man, Ramesh (47), worked as a waterman for the Anoor Gram Panchayat. He left behind a death note blaming his financial troubles and harassment from loan recovery agents. On Sunday, Ramesh hanged himself at his home. He is survived by his wife, a son, and a daughter. The Allur police have registered a case.

Interestingly, police officials said that when they questioned the Gram Panchayat Development Officer, he claimed that Ramesh's salary had been paid up to February.

What the Death Note Said:

Ramesh began the note by writing, "I am the only one responsible for my death."

He explained that he had been working at the gram panchayat for many years but hadn't been paid for the last 11 months. He mentioned that members of a 'Sangha' (a local association) were coming to his house and pressuring him and his family to repay a loan. "This has caused me a lot of mental stress," he wrote.

Ramesh also listed loans from finance companies. He said he couldn't pay the instalments because his salary was pending. He specifically named staff from RBL, SKS Grameen Koota, and Muthoot Finance, saying they were visiting his home and harassing his family.

The note also mentioned that some people at the gram panchayat office were making it difficult for him to work, and he wrote down their names.