Months after allegedly getting caught while taking a bribe, the former Tahsildar (Mandal Revenue Officer) of Keesara in Telangana, EB Nagaraju, killed himself at the Chanchalguda Central Prison in Hyderabad in the wee hours of Wednesday. According to reports he was shifted to Osmania General Hospital (OGH), where he was declared dead. Earlier in August, Nagaraju was allegedly caught red-handed by officials of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) while taking over Rs 1 crore in bribe, at his residence, reportedly for finishing a land-related deal.
Following his arrest in the sensational case, Nagaraju was sent to judicial custody and was lodged in the Chanchalguda jail. He was being questioned by ACB officials.
ACB officials alleged that Nagaraju, who worked as the Keesara Tahsildar, had taken a bribe of Rs 1.1 crore, to settle a land dispute over a parcel of 28 acres in Rampally Dayara in favour of a real estate company, even as the case was pending hearing in the Telangana High Court.
The ACB was scanning the bank accounts and financial transactions of Nagaraju. Two real estate agents and a village revenue assistant were also arrested by ACB at the time. An ACB court had denied bail to Nagaraju earlier in August.
The case stirred a row and caught a lot of attention in the state as the transaction was caught on camera.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional suppport to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 amd and 7 pm)
Aasara offers support to inidviduals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726