BENGALURU: A 47-year-old scientist with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), Sharad Katiyar, died by suicide after falling from his residential building in Seegehalli, Bengaluru, on October 21. His family has alleged that sustained work-related stress and mental pressure may have contributed to his death.
Katiyar was a senior scientist in the programming department of the ADA and was associated with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme.
Family alleges prolonged work pressure
According to the family’s statement to the police, Katiyar had been experiencing significant work-related stress for more than a month. They alleged that the pressure continued despite his seeking medical assistance.
He had reportedly been receiving treatment for mental health concerns and visited the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru for a psychiatric consultation on October 21, the day of the incident.
Police register unnatural death case
The incident reportedly occurred between 7.30 pm and 8 pm at the residential complex where Katiyar lived with his family. He sustained critical injuries after falling from a window near the staircase between the fourth and fifth floors.
Family members and residents rushed him to a private hospital in K.S. Halli, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Following a complaint from the family, KR Puram police registered an unnatural death report under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
Police have inspected the scene and recorded statements from family members as part of the investigation. The allegations concerning workplace stress are being examined and have not been independently established.
ADA says it was unaware of the alleged pressure
Krishna Rajendra, Director of Administration and Human Resources at the ADA, said the organisation had not been aware of the difficulties described by the family. He added that he had spoken to some of Katiyar’s colleagues, who also reportedly said they were unaware of any such issue.
Rajendra said the agency had organised programmes on stress management and that employees could approach senior officials if they faced difficulties. He also cautioned against drawing a definitive conclusion that work pressure alone caused the death.
The police investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and examine the family’s allegations.