Karnataka Government Officer Ends Life, Alleges Harassment By Senior In Video Message

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 09:36 IST

The deceased was found hanging from a ceiling fan at the social welfare department office in Karnataka's Pavagada town.

A senior officer of the Social Welfare Department in Karnataka’s Pavagada town allegedly died by suicide at his office after accusing a superior of harassment, police said on Saturday.

The deceased, identified as Mallikarjun, an Assistant Director with the department, was found hanging from a ceiling fan at the Social Welfare Department office in Pavagada on Friday, according to police. He was a native of Gundarlahalli in Pavagada.

Investigators said that before taking the extreme step, the taluk-level officer recorded a selfie video on his mobile phone. In the video, he alleged that he was driven to suicide due to harassment by Joint Director Krishnappa. He also stated that his mother, wife and children had always taken good care of him, and expressed confidence that God and the law would punish his senior colleague for his actions.

Following a complaint lodged by Mallikarjun’s family and the recovery of the selfie video, police have registered a case of abetment of suicide under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the Joint Director. The case is currently under investigation, a senior police officer said.

Citing preliminary findings, the officer added that the Joint Director had recently initiated an inquiry against Mallikarjun, who was just 10 days away from retirement. The inquiry could have had an impact on his pension and other work-related matters, the officer noted.

News india Karnataka Government Officer Ends Life, Alleges Harassment By Senior In Video Message

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