Karnataka Social Welfare official found dead in office after alleging harassment by senior in video message.

TUMAKURU — A high-ranking official in Karnataka’s Social Welfare Department was found dead in his office on Friday evening, leaving behind a video message that has sparked a police investigation and sent shockwaves through the state administration. Mallikarjun, an Assistant Director based in the Pavagada area, allegedly took his own life just ten days before his scheduled retirement. In a video sent to his colleagues shortly before the incident, he pointed out his superior, District Director Krishnappa, alleging harassment that pushed him to the brink.

In the emotional footage recorded at his office in Appa Bande, Mallikarjun expressed deep heartbreak over leaving his family behind. He spoke of how well his mother, wife, and children had cared for him, stating that his only wish was to support them further—a task he felt he could no longer perform under the professional pressure he was facing. “Because of harassment by Krishnappa… I have to take this step,” he said in the recording, adding a plea for his family not to seek personal revenge but to trust that “God and the law” would eventually deliver justice.

In a swift response to the viral allegations, District Director Krishnappa released a statement on Saturday denying any wrongdoing. He argued that the accusations were baseless, noting that he had actually been supportive of Mallikarjun’s career. According to Krishnappa, while a routine inquiry into alleged departmental irregularities had been initiated by the Bengaluru head office, the formal process had not even started. He further emphasized that with Mallikarjun’s retirement less than two weeks away, he had been actively verifying and fast-tracking the officer’s pension proposal to ensure a smooth transition.

The Pavagada police have officially launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, treating the video as a primary piece of evidence. Senior official maintains that the death is “suspicious” and warrants a deeper look into other potential causes. Authorities are currently interviewing staff members and reviewing departmental records to confirm the harassment claims.