A tragic incident in Bengaluru has highlighted the severe consequences of alleged harassment and extortion. A 45-year-old software professional, Murali Govindaraju, ended his life on Wednesday, leaving behind a detailed death note that points fingers at his neighbours and civic officials for driving him to the extreme step.
The Suicide and Immediate Aftermath
Murali Govindaraju, a resident of Brookbong Layout in Whitefield and a father of two young daughters, was found dead in his under-construction house in Nallurahalli. He worked for a private software company at the International Tech Park, Ltd. (ITPL). The police, upon recovering a 10-page suicide note, swiftly arrested his neighbours, Shashi Nambiar (64) and his wife Usha Nambiar (57), on charges of abetting the suicide. Authorities are currently searching for their son, Varun Nambiar.
The arrested couple was produced before a magistrate and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, especially among residents who have reportedly faced similar issues.
Contents of the Death Note and Allegations
The extensive suicide note penned by Murali forms the core of the investigation. He explicitly held the Nambiar family responsible for his death. Murali accused them of trapping him in a property dispute and relentlessly harassing him for money.
"I am holding responsible Usha Nambiyar, her husband Shashi Nambiar and their son Varun Nambiar responsible for my death," the note stated. He detailed how the harassment prevented him from selling the property, constructing it as desired, or even living in it. He claimed the Nambiars and a few officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), formerly the BBMP, had tortured him over alleged building plan violations and repeatedly demanded Rs 20 lakh to stop the torment.
Murali, who claimed his family had always lived a reputable life, expressed deep anguish over being forced to frequent police stations and courts, which he felt ruined his family's honour. He concluded the note by bequeathing his property, built with his life's earnings, to his mother and subsequently to his children.
Long-Standing Dispute and Community Concerns
Police investigations reveal that the conflict began in 2018 when Murali purchased a 40x60 sq ft plot in Nallurahalli. Usha Nambiar, who locals describe as playing the role of a civic activist, reportedly approached the BBMP accusing Murali of violating the approved construction plan. This led to a spot inspection by the civic body and a notice directing Murali to appear before officials—on the very Wednesday he was found dead.
A senior police officer indicated that this might not be an isolated case. "According to locals, many houses are constructed in and around Nallurahalli where, Usha Nambiar, plays the role of an activist. If someone is harassed or tortured by Nambiars, we request them to come forward and file a police complaint," the officer stated, suggesting a pattern of behaviour aimed at extorting money by filing cases with the civic authority.
The case underscores the devastating impact of persistent harassment and alleged corruption in civic matters, leading to an irreparable loss for a family and raising serious questions about accountability.
