CHIKKABALLAPUR: An outsourced driver working at the Chikkaballapur Zilla Panchayat died by suicide on Thursday morning, prompting the police to file an FIR that includes the name of Chikkaballapur MP Dr K Sudhakar.
The deceased, identified as Babu, was assigned to drive the vehicle of the chief accounts officer at the Zilla Panchayat. According to a source, he hung himself on the ZP premises, leaving behind a four-page suicide note.
Babu alleged that Nagesh and Manjunath, a clerk in the accounts department, collected a significant sum of money from him with the promise of regularising his job through the MP. The note specifically names Sudhakar, Nagesh, and Manjunath, stating that the promise was not fulfilled and the money was not returned.
According to family members, Babu left his home early Thursday morning, telling them he had a meeting. He parked his vehicle near a tree on the ZP premises, left the suicide note behind, and died by hanging. Before taking the extreme step, he also sent a copy of the note to a female employee at the ZP.
Following the incident, Chikkaballapur police registered a case under relevant sections, including those pertaining to abetment and the SC/ST Atrocities Act. Speaking to media persons, SP Kushal Chowksey said a detailed investigation is underway and appropriate action will be taken.
Responding to the allegations, Sudhakar, currently in New Delhi, denied knowing Babu. He expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said he has helped many individuals obtain private employment during his public life but had never met Babu nor taken any money from him.
Sudhakar acknowledged knowing Nagesh, stating that Nagesh's uncle, a former taluk panchayat president and Sudhakar’s supporter, introduced him to the BJP. He said he later appointed Nagesh as chairman of the Urban Development Authority.
The MP alleged that the Congress is trying to politicise the tragedy and target him. He urged the police to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, stating that he is fully confident in the judiciary and is ready to cooperate with the inquiry.
Sudhakar also said he plans to meet Babu’s family soon to offer his condolences.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation - 04424640050, Tele Manas - 14416 (available 24x7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences' helpline - 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)