A 41-year-old fruit vendor from Bengaluru’s Kadugodi area allegedly died by suicide after consuming aluminium phosphide, leaving behind a video message in which he accused several individuals of harassment and extortion.
The deceased, identified as Papanna, a resident of Channasandra, reportedly recorded and shared the video shortly before taking the extreme step. Based on the allegations made in the recording and a complaint filed by his family, police have detained four persons on charges of abetment to suicide.
Video message names several individuals
According to police, Papanna sent the video around 10.05 pm on Friday. In the recording, he allegedly claimed that a group of individuals, including Jogi Sheena, Prashanth, Narasappa, Radha and Nayana, had been harassing him and repeatedly demanding money.
He further alleged that he had been falsely implicated in an atrocity case and was unable to cope with the continued pressure.
Papanna reportedly consumed aluminium phosphide soon after recording the message and later died.
Allegations linked to earlier case
In the video, Papanna claimed that an atrocity case had been filed against him in 2021 and alleged that money had changed hands for its withdrawal. He further stated that another false case had been initiated against him.
Describing himself as a poor street vendor struggling to earn a livelihood, he alleged that the ongoing harassment had pushed him into severe distress. He also appealed to the police to take action against those he held responsible.
Police register abetment case
Following the incident, Papanna’s sister, Bhagya S, who is a social activist, filed a complaint with Kadugodi police.
Treating the video as a suicide note, police registered a case of abetment to suicide against the accused. Four suspects have since been taken into custody and are being questioned as part of the investigation.
Officials said further inquiries are underway to verify the allegations and determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.