A 33-year-old Public Works Department (PWD) engineer allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the hilltop at Devarayanadurga in Tumakuru district on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Manju Prasad, a resident of Satyamangala in Tumakuru who was working with the PWD office in Pavagada.
Police said Prasad is survived by his wife and their 10-day-old newborn child.
Family says he was disturbed after mother’s death
According to investigators, Prasad had reportedly been emotionally disturbed following the death of his mother last year.
On Monday morning, he reportedly left home telling his wife that he was travelling to the Pavagada office for work.
However, police later found that he had instead visited a relative in Koratagere, located near Devarayanadurga.
Handed over phone before heading to hilltop
Police said Prasad informed the relative that he had come for an urgent meeting. Before leaving, he reportedly handed over his mobile phone and house keys to the relative, which raised suspicion.
The relative immediately contacted Prasad’s family members, who asked him to check whether Prasad had gone towards Devarayanadurga hill.
“By the time the relative reached the spot, Prasad had already jumped from the hilltop,” a police officer said.
Authorities later recovered his body from nearly 200 feet below the hill.
Investigation underway
Police have registered a case and are continuing further investigation into the incident.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the importance of emotional support and mental health awareness, especially during periods of grief and personal stress.
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