Betul Double Suicide: Workplace Harassment Suspected
In a tragic incident that has shocked the Betul community, two government employees allegedly died by suicide after jumping into a well in Madhya Pradesh's Betul district on Tuesday night. The victims, a 48-year-old female clerk and a 29-year-old water supply department employee, were reportedly facing severe mental harassment from colleagues who constantly taunted them about being in a relationship.
Victims Identified and Timeline of Events
The deceased have been identified as Rajni Dundele (48), who worked as a clerk at the Betul Municipal Council, and Mithun (29), an employee of the Water Supply Department. According to police reports, both individuals went missing around 9 pm on Tuesday evening, triggering concern among their family members.
Investigators found Rajni's mobile phone inside her locked home, while Mithun's phone was traced to the vicinity of his farm. The search intensified through the night, culminating in a grim discovery on Wednesday morning when local residents spotted Mithun's motorcycle and slippers near a well in Bayawadi village.
Suicide Note Reveals Workplace Torment
Police teams rushed to the location and began recovery operations, first retrieving Rajni's body from the well, followed by Mithun's. The investigation took a significant turn when Rajni's family handed over a diary containing a handwritten suicide note found in her residence.
In the emotional note, Rajni explicitly described her distress caused by constant taunts and character assassination at her workplace. She detailed how colleagues repeatedly questioned her character and subjected her to mental harassment. Police confirmed the note mentions specific instances of harassment by some municipal employees.
Rajni's family members revealed she had been visibly upset for several days and couldn't bear the mounting pressure and harassment at the office. "When she didn't answer our calls, we immediately rushed to her home and found it locked from inside," a family member told police. "CCTV footage from the area showed her walking toward Bharkawadi direction."
Families Mourn, Police Investigation Continues
The family member emphatically stated that Rajni considered Mithun "like a son," but malicious office rumours about their relationship had severely impacted her mental health.
Meanwhile, Mithun's brother, Vinay, expressed complete shock over the incident. "He left home at night and never returned. We have no idea what exactly happened. Later, we found his slippers and bike near the well," Vinay stated.
Police officials have confirmed that both deaths appear to be suicides based on preliminary investigation. "The suicide note recovered from Rajni specifically mentions harassment. However, the allegation that they were being harassed over their 'relationship' remains under investigation. Nothing conclusive can be stated at this moment," said a police officer involved in the case.
Authorities are currently verifying the authenticity of the suicide note while recording statements from municipal council staff members. The community of Betul remains in shock as investigations continue into this tragic incident that highlights the devastating consequences of workplace harassment.
