PUNE: Pimpri-Chinchwad Police have registered a case against three people, including two employees of IT firm, following the alleged suicide of a 48-year-old IT professional from Pune district.The deceased worked at IT firm’s Hinjawadi facility. He was found dead at his residence on June 2.The case was registered at Bhosari police station under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) and Section 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.‘Subjected to humiliation and pressure’Police said the FIR was filed on June 9 based on a complaint by victim’s son.The complaint alleged that victim was subjected to prolonged mental harassment, humiliation and defamation, which pushed him to take the extreme step.The FIR names a ‘online friend’ and two female employeesPolice said a suicide note was recovered after victim’s death. Family members claimed that the note mentioned the emotional distress and pressure he had allegedly been facing for a long time.Suicide note names friend, two colleaguesIn the purported suicide note, victim allegedly accused his ‘online friend’ of sending defamatory emails about him to the company.The note also named colleagues alleging that they repeatedly humiliated him in front of other employees, denied him favourable work assignments and gave him projects outside his area of expertise.The note further claimed that the two colleagues reprimanded him over his performance, asked him to quit his job in front of co-workers and threatened to give adverse feedback.Family alleges workplace pressureAccording to the complaint, victim was allegedly sidelined at work, with important assignments being taken away from him.The family alleged that he was pressured to resign and threatened with negative performance assessments.Apart from workplace allegations, the family accused the ‘online friend’ of filing false criminal complaints against victim and sending legal notices that allegedly caused further mental distress.The complainant also alleged that defamatory communications were circulated to IT firm about victim and that the ‘online friend’ had sent an email to the company to defame him.‘Wife suffering from chronic illness’A police officer said victim’s wife was also suffering from a chronic illness.“His wife was also suffering from a chronic illness. Frustrated by the harassment, he took the extreme step at his house on June 2. He mentioned the names of all three accused in the suicide note. Our investigation is on,” the officer said.Another police official said, “We have registered a case under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are conducting further investigation. No arrest has been made so far.”Police said statements of relevant people will be recorded as part of the investigation.IT firm says it is ascertaining factsThe IT firm expressed condolences over victim’s death and said it was looking into the allegations.“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, Amit victim. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time.The wellbeing of our employees is of utmost importance to us and we are extending all support to the bereaved family. We have also taken note of the allegations against the two employees and are ascertaining the facts. Complete cooperation is being extended to relevant authorities as they continue their investigation.As this is an ongoing process, it won’t be appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.We remain committed to fostering a workplace that is respectful, supportive, and inclusive for all our employees.”(With inputs from agencies)
