A panchayat development officer (PDO) in Karnataka's Gadag district was found dead at his rented residence under suspicious circumstances, with police suspecting suicide. The deceased, identified as Maktum Husen Karadigudda, 46, was serving the Asuti and Kothabala gram panchayats in Ron taluk.
Details of the Incident
According to police officials, Maktum Husen allegedly died by hanging himself at his residence. The incident came to light after his wife, unable to contact him for two days, asked the landlord to check the house. He was then found hanging. Originally from Dharwad district, Maktum Husen had taken charge as PDO of Kothabala Gram Panchayat only last month.
Possible Motive Under Investigation
The exact reason behind his death is yet to be ascertained. However, family members reportedly said that he had been under mental stress following a Lokayukta raid conducted on him during 2022-23. They claimed that he took the issue seriously and it affected his mental well-being.
Police have registered a case and initiated further investigation into the matter. The body has been sent for postmortem examination. Maktum Husen is survived by his wife and three sons.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local administrative circles, with colleagues and villagers expressing grief over the sudden demise of the officer. Authorities have assured a thorough probe to uncover the circumstances leading to the death.
