Jammu Irrigation Department Employee Dies by Suicide After Alleged Harassment
In a tragic incident that has shocked the Jammu region, a 55-year-old government employee died by suicide after allegedly facing constant mental harassment from his office seniors. The victim, identified as Puran Chand from R S Pura town near Jammu, was found with severe burn injuries in a field on Monday and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.
Three officials from the Jammu and Kashmir government's Irrigation Department have been arrested in connection with the case. The arrested individuals have been identified as Surjeet Kumar and Ram Murti, both in-charge ziladars, and Girdhari Lal, who worked as amin in the same department.
Police Investigation Reveals Systematic Harassment
According to police statements released on Saturday, their investigation has uncovered evidence pointing to systematic mental harassment that allegedly drove Puran Chand to take the extreme step. The harassment reportedly included the withholding of several months' salary, creating immense financial and psychological pressure on the 55-year-old helper.
The incident occurred on Monday when passersby spotted Puran Chand with severe burn injuries in the fields along the Ring Road at Prithvipur village. After being alerted, a police team reached the spot and rushed him to a hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
Technical Evidence Points to Premeditated Act
The police investigation has gathered substantial technical and scientific evidence supporting their conclusions. CCTV footage obtained from cameras covering the route taken by Puran Chand showed him traveling on a motorcycle from his home in R S Pura. The footage revealed that the deceased first stopped at a petrol pump in R S Pura where he got a plastic container filled with petrol before proceeding to the location where he was later found.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) was called to the spot to inspect the scene and collect scientific evidence. The case is being investigated by a team led by the SHO of Miran Sahib police station, who confirmed that based on circumstantial, technical, and scientific evidence, the investigation clearly points to the deceased having taken the extreme step due to persistent mental harassment by his office seniors.
While three Irrigation Department employees have been arrested so far, police have indicated that the investigation into the matter is still ongoing and further developments are expected as more evidence comes to light.
