Davangere, 31 May

Davangere-based contractor reportedly died by suicide over alleged non-clearance of bills worth Rs 80 lakhs by Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation (KRIDL) for the works he executed, at Santebennur in Channagiri taluk on 26 May.

PS Gowdar, who had been residing in Santhebennur, was involved in various works under the premises of the Agriculture Department of Santhebennur. Despite completing the projects, he allegedly struggled to receive the payments due to him from KRIDL.

In the death note, he charged that his elder brother GS Nagaraj, younger brother Gowdar Sreenivas and KRIDL were responsible for his death.

He claimed the financial strain was compounded by accusations from his two brothers, who alleged that he had been cheating them in financial matters. Unable to cope with the pressure and frustration, Gowder decided to end his life.

According to the note, he the payment to him was pending due to bureaucratic delays. Gowder’s note expressed his wish for KRIDL to compensate his family adequately.

Following the discovery of the death note, Gowder's wife, Vasant Kumari, filed a complaint at the Santhebennur police station. Based on the complaint, the police have registered a case under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to abetment of suicide. The investigation is currently underway.   -Salar News