Waterman commits suicide in front of gram panchayat office over 27 months’ unpaid salary

CHAMARAJANAGAR: A waterman committed suicide by hanging from a window grill in front of the Honganuru Gram Panchayat office in the taluk over harassment and non-payment of salary for 27 months by the Gram Panchayat authorities.

The deceased Chikkoosa Nayak had been working at the gram panchayat for nine years and had three children. Despite repeated requests, he was not paid his salary for 27 months by the panchayat officials including the husband of the panchayat president, Mohan Kumar, and Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Ramegowda.

In his death note, Chikkoosa Nayak accused Mohan Kumar and Ramegowda of harassment and mentioned that he was forced to work without pay. An FIR has been registered against Moha Kumar and Ramegowda, who are currently absconding.

The gram panchayat members have also alleged that the PDO held all the authority and was responsible for the situation.