Chennai: A 26-year-old man died by suicide after recording a video accusing Block Development officers of demanding bribe to release Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) funds in Nannilam of Tiruvarur district.
According to a report on The Indian Express, the deceased man identified as Manikandan reportedly borrowed money from his friends for buying materials to construct his home and was expecting funds from PMAY to settle the debt. However, he started getting stressed after the officers demanded bribe and delayed the funds.
In this backdrop, on May 10, Manikandan reportedly called his friend in Dubai and explained to him the chain of events. Later, he attempted suicide after recording his death statement as a video. Based on the information, the family members immediately rushed to their farm but were shocked to find Manikandan lying unconscious. The family took him to the hospital but the doctors declared him dead.
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Following this, Lenin, father of Manikandan, gave a police complaint on Thursday and said that his wife Latha was chosen as the beneficiary of PMAY scheme.
Initially, the family received the funds in two installments. Lenin said, the officers, in order to release the first two installments of the funds, received a bribe of Rs 18,000 and they demanded another Rs 5,000 for releasing the third installment.
Disappointed by this, Manikandan took the extreme step, said Lenin.
Lenin also demanded the police to take action against the officers who were responsible for abetting the suicide of Manikandan.
Based on the complaint, Peralam police registered a complaint under Section 206 (abetment of suicide) under the Indian Penal Code.
Tiruvarur Collector P Gayathri Krishnan also issued an order suspending the overseer and initiated a department action against him.
(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state.
Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104.
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)