KRDIL engineer goes missing, letter linked to him cites distress owing to fund shortage in dept.
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Parvez Dharwad, an AEE of KRIDL, who has gone missing after leaving behind a letter about lack of funds, mental pressure and mention of ending life. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
An Assistant Executive Engineer of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRDIL), Parvez Dharwad, has gone missing after reportedly leaving behind a letter alleging prolonged shortage of funds in the department and the resulting pressure on him, forcing him to take the extreme decision of ending his life.
Mr. Parvez has remained untraceable since he left Gadag on September 13, but a letter purportedly by him found at his office in Gadag, which has gone viral, has given an unusual twist to the story.
The letter, addressed to the KRDIL Managing Director, refers to financial difficulties arising from delays in the release of funds for works undertaken by the sub-division.
Gadag Superintendent of Police Mithun H.N. has said that an investigation was under way and steps were being taken to locate the engineer. According to him, prima facie, the letter appeared to have been written by Mr. Parvez.
According to the letter, several works had been stalled owing to the diversion of funds over the past few years. The department had also incurred additional expenditure of around ₹6 crore on some old works, it reportedly stated.
Despite correspondence with the departments concerned seeking release of funds, the amount had not been sanctioned, the letter claimed.
The letter further stated that the shortage had made it difficult to pay group leaders associated with the works, who were reportedly visiting his residence and office daily and pressuring him for payment.
In the letter, the engineer has expressed distress over the impact of the situation on his mental well-being, personal life and peace of mind. He has conveyed his decision of ending his life and has said that none was responsible for his death as he himself had failed in managing the situation.
He has also appealed to the department to address the fund shortage and requested that his family not be subjected to harassment.
Mr. Parvez had informed his family that he was travelling to Bengaluru to attend a meeting and left on September 13. His mobile phone has been switched off since then.
After making enquiries at various places, his family lodged a missing-person complaint at the Betageri police station on September 16.
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