NewsFlash Daily™
16 March 
Three-page death note names agriculture officer in Sandur; family alleges mental harassment and salary issues
Ballari: A tragic incident has been reported from Ballari district, where a contract employee of the Karnataka Agriculture Department allegedly died by suicide after accusing his superior of mental harassment. The incident occurred in Gauripura village of Sandur taluk.
The deceased has been identified as G. N. Raju, a contract employee working in the Sandur agriculture department office. According to sources, Raju left behind a three-page death note explaining the reasons behind his extreme step and making serious allegations against a department official.
Allegations Against Agriculture Officer
In the death note, Raju reportedly accused Raghavendra, the Agriculture Officer (AO) in Sandur, of subjecting him to continuous mental harassment since the day he joined work.
Family members claim that Raju had often spoken about the harassment at the workplace. According to his wife Prema, the officer allegedly avoided speaking to him in the office and did not assign him work, which caused severe mental stress.
Salary Issues Also Alleged
The family also alleged that Raju had not received his salary for the past four months, which added to his distress. Despite repeatedly raising the issue with higher authorities, the salary was reportedly not released, further worsening the situation.
Prema stated that her husband had been under immense pressure due to workplace harassment and financial difficulties.
“My husband used to tell me that he was being mentally harassed in the office. Even after informing senior officials, his salary was not released,” she alleged.
Investigation Underway
Local police have registered a case and begun an investigation into the incident. Authorities are examining the three-page death note and other evidence to determine the circumstances that led to the employee’s death.
Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
