An 85-year-old man died by suicide in Shivamogga district of Karnataka on Tuesday. The incident occurred in the Kallahalli area, where the man, identified as Hanumanthappa, used his licensed revolver to shoot himself in the head. He was found dead in his bedroom by family members.
Details of the Incident
According to police, Hanumanthappa, a retired government employee, had been living with his son and daughter-in-law. On Tuesday morning, his son left for work, and his daughter-in-law was in the kitchen. Around 10:30 am, a gunshot was heard from the bedroom. When family members rushed in, they found Hanumanthappa lying in a pool of blood with the revolver beside him.
Police were informed and arrived at the scene. The body was sent to a government hospital for postmortem. Preliminary investigations suggest that the man took the extreme step due to health issues. He had been suffering from age-related ailments and was undergoing treatment.
Legal and Police Response
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating the matter. The licensed revolver has been seized for further inquiry. Authorities are also checking if the weapon was legally possessed and if there were any lapses in its storage.
- The deceased had a valid license for the revolver.
- No suicide note was found at the scene.
- Family members stated that the man was depressed due to his failing health.
The incident has shocked the local community. Neighbors described Hanumanthappa as a gentle and well-respected individual. Counseling has been offered to the family to help them cope with the tragedy.
This is the second such incident in the district in recent months, raising concerns about mental health among the elderly. Experts emphasize the need for better support systems and awareness about depression in old age.
