BENGALURU: Friends and relatives in Karnataka have dismissed speculation that IPS officer N Harish, who was found dead in the police officers’ mess in Chennai on Thursday morning, may have committed suicide.
His uncle Basavaraj said that Harish was in a very happy frame of mind and there was no reason for him to take any hasty decision.
“Two months ago, he had got engaged and was supposed to tie the knot next month.” he said.
A Bengaluru boy, Harish was eldest among three siblings and his family lived in Manjunathanagar. Harish had done his mechanical engineering from RV College and passed out with distinction. But his passion to join the police force made him reject offers from IT companies.
“He turned down a good offer from Infosys,” recalled Ananth, a friend. He added, “Harish was attending special classes to learn Tamil and clear the exams.”
Another friend who didn’t want to be named said the angle of possible ill-treatment of Harish for not knowing Tamil should also be looked into.
Basavaraj said, “My nephew had mentally prepared for this profession and was acquainted with the challenges it brings. There is no reason for him to commit suicide. The incident needs to be probed.”
Dakshayani, Harish’s neighbour, said that he was polite, brilliant and focused on academics, and raised by a disciplinarian father.
“He secured 95 per cent in his SSLC from Florence School, and over 90 per cent in both PUC and engineering. He did his PUC from KLE College. He and his family were looking forward to his wedding next month. The family had found a girl among their relatives from Hoskote (Harish’s native town). All the family members are disturbed over this incident” she said.
Meanwhile, Egmore police have initiated investigations. Police sources said that a senior officer in the rank of additional commissioner would investigate the incident.
Cricket lover and bookworm
Harish’s friend Narendra Babu recalled his cricketing days with Harish. “We would play every Sunday during our college days, and Harish loved to bowl. Once in six months we would plan a trip.
After college, when he decided to write competitive exams, he moved out of his house and took a room on rent just to study. When serving in Madurai, he even skipped his sister’s wedding as work was his priority. This showed his determination,”
he added.