A tragic incident has shaken Karnataka's contracting community as a 47-year-old civil contractor from Chitradurga district died by suicide on Wednesday, leaving behind allegations of systematic harassment and corruption.
The Final Note Reveals Disturbing Allegations
Basavaraj Gulagannavar, a resident of Molakalmuru town, ended his life at his residence, but not before writing a detailed suicide note that points fingers at local officials. The note specifically names the executive engineer and assistant executive engineer of the public works department, accusing them of demanding bribes to process his legitimate payments.
Mounting Debts and Unpaid Bills
According to the investigation, Basavaraj was facing severe financial strain due to pending bills totaling approximately ₹1.5 crore for various government projects he had completed. The deceased contractor's family revealed that he had taken multiple loans to keep his business afloat while waiting for these payments.
"The constant pressure from creditors and the alleged demands for bribes had pushed him to the edge," a family member stated under condition of anonymity.
Official Response and Investigation
Local authorities have registered a case of abetment to suicide and initiated a thorough investigation. Police officials confirmed they have recovered the suicide note and are examining all angles of the case.
Molakalmuru police stated: "We are investigating the allegations made in the suicide note and will take appropriate legal action based on our findings. The matter is being treated with utmost seriousness."
Broader Implications for Contractors
This incident has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by small and medium contractors working with government departments across Karnataka. Many contractors have come forward sharing similar experiences of delayed payments and alleged corruption.
The local contracting association has demanded immediate action and a transparent system for payment processing to prevent such tragedies in the future.
