UP Power Department Employee Dies by Suicide Amid Fake Caste Certificate Allegations
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through Muzaffarnagar, a 28-year-old employee of the Uttar Pradesh electricity department died by suicide on Sunday morning. The death comes weeks after a formal complaint was filed alleging that the staffer had secured his government job using a fraudulent Scheduled Caste (SC) certificate.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Police officials confirmed that the victim, identified as Shubham Kumar, was working as a sub-station operator (SSO) at the Titawai electricity sub-station. According to preliminary investigations, Kumar allegedly shot himself inside the locked control room of the facility early on Sunday morning.
Authorities reported discovering a purported suicide note at the scene, in which Kumar allegedly admitted to obtaining his position in the power department through the submission of counterfeit caste documents. A country-made pistol was recovered from the spot, leading police to register an additional case under the Arms Act.
Family's Contradictory Claims and Allegations
In a stark contradiction to the police findings, the victim's father, Anil Kumar, vehemently denied that his son had used any false documents to secure employment. The grieving father asserted that Shubham had become severely distressed following the recent complaint against him, which ultimately drove him to take the extreme step.
Anil Kumar further made serious allegations that three individuals had been systematically blackmailing his son for approximately four years. The family has announced plans to file a formal First Information Report (FIR) against those they believe are responsible for this alleged harassment.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
Police reconstruction of the incident reveals a detailed sequence of events. Several linesmen were reportedly present at the sub-station alongside Shubham Kumar before they departed for fieldwork duties. Minutes after their departure, Kumar entered the control room, locked it from inside, and threw the key outside before allegedly taking his own life.
When other staff members returned to the facility, they noticed Kumar's absence and discovered the control room was securely locked. After locating the discarded key, they opened the door to find his body lying in a pool of blood with the firearm nearby.
Official Statements and Ongoing Investigations
Bal Kishan, the executive engineer for rural areas, confirmed that a complaint had indeed been filed regarding the alleged fake SC certificate, and an inquiry into the matter was pending. However, he declined to disclose the identity of the complainant. Kishan noted that Shubham Kumar had been employed with the electricity department since 2017.
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Aditya Bansal stated that no immediate evidence of foul play has been uncovered in the case thus far. He emphasized that no allegations of harassment against the victim had been formally received by police authorities. Nevertheless, a comprehensive inquiry has been ordered to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.
Broader Implications and Aftermath
The victim is survived by his wife and their one-and-a-half-year-old son, adding a layer of personal tragedy to this already complex case. This incident highlights several critical issues including:
- The verification processes for government job applications
- The psychological pressure faced by employees under investigation
- The serious consequences of caste certificate fraud allegations
- The need for robust anti-harassment mechanisms in workplaces
As investigations continue, this case raises important questions about workplace pressures, the authenticity of caste certificates in government employment, and the support systems available to employees facing serious allegations. The conflicting narratives between official findings and family claims suggest this tragedy may have multiple dimensions that require thorough examination.
