A gram panchayat secretary posted in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s home constituency of Varuna attempted to die by suicide on Friday after reportedly becoming distressed over the possibility of an abrupt transfer. The woman officer, identified as Divya, allegedly consumed around 15 tablets—including sleeping pills, paracetamol and pain relievers—inside her office before collapsing.

Divya, a grade-1 panchayat secretary, has been serving at the Varuna Gram Panchayat for the past two years. She was rushed to a private hospital in Mysuru, where she is currently receiving treatment. A case has been registered at the Varuna police station, and an investigation is underway.

Fear of transfer triggered distress

According to officials and panchayat members, tensions began when a grade-1 secretary posted in another gram panchayat sought a transfer to Divya’s post. The officer allegedly lobbied with senior authorities for the position, creating pressure around Divya’s continuance at Varuna.

Matters escalated on November 20 when the executive officer conducted a surprise visit to the Varuna Panchayat office. During the inspection, an old six-month-old complaint accusing Divya of dereliction of duty was reportedly reopened, NDTV said.

Panchayat members defended her work

The inquiry that followed saw unanimous support for Divya from panchayat members, who insisted that she had been carrying out her duties efficiently. They questioned the motive behind reviving an outdated complaint and alleged that she may have been subjected to administrative pressure.

According to staff members, Divya appeared visibly shaken after learning about the likelihood of a transfer on the same day. Shortly afterwards, she consumed multiple tablets in her office. A video circulating online shows her slumped unconscious in her chair while two colleagues attempt to revive her.

Hospitalised; police probing mental harassment claims

Divya was immediately taken to Kaveri Hospital in Mysuru, where doctors are monitoring her condition. While she has not filed a formal complaint, Varuna police officials said they are examining whether mental harassment or administrative pressure contributed to the incident.

Officers noted that the absence of a complaint would not halt the inquiry, as statements from staff, panchayat members and administrative officials are being recorded to determine what led to the attempt.

Concerns over administrative pressure

The incident has sparked concern within local administrative circles, with officials saying sudden transfers, lobbying for postings, and unresolved complaints often create an atmosphere of uncertainty for panchayat staff. Gram panchayat secretaries, who are responsible for crucial rural governance functions, frequently face pressure from multiple sides—from elected representatives to senior officers—making their roles especially vulnerable.

Local leaders have urged the district administration to ensure a fair inquiry and provide counselling support to Divya once she recovers.