Pune IT Employee Dies by Suicide, Workplace Harassment Alleged

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PUNE: A 48-year-old employee died by suicide at his residence in Pune’s Bhosari on June 2 after allegedly facing workplace harassment, difficulties in getting leave following a family bereavement, and stress over his wife’s chronic illness, police said. A suicide note recovered from his home allegedly named three people, following which Bhosari police registered a case of abetment to suicide against two women employees of IT firm and a man.

Family alleges humiliation at workplace

According to the complaint filed by the victim’s 19-year-old son, the two women colleagues allegedly humiliated his father in front of other employees, reassigned important projects and gave him work outside his area of expertise. The complaint alleged that when the employee was unable to complete the assigned tasks, the colleagues threatened to give negative feedback about his performance. Police said the family also alleged that the victim faced difficulties while seeking leave after the death of the complainant’s grandfather. The victim had discussed these concerns with his family at home, police said.

Suicide note mentions harassment allegations

Senior Police Inspector Sandip Ghorpade said, “The case was registered on June 9 based on a suicide note, purportedly written by the victim. The note, found from his house, names two women colleagues and another person. It mentions that he was ending his life because of harassment by the trio. Besides, a complaint was lodged by his son (19) naming and accusing the trio of subjecting him to mental harassment.” He said, “We have issued a notice to the company’s HR department asking them to conduct an inquiry against the two women officials named in the complaint and later secure their presence before us for investigation.”

Separate dispute also under scanner

Police said the complaint also mentioned another dispute involving a couple whom the victim and his wife had been in contact with through a social media platform since 2024. According to the complaint, the issue allegedly began after the man’s wife moved abroad following differences between them. The complainant alleged that the man blamed the his parents for the separation and later started harassing his father. The man allegedly filed theft and cheating complaints against the victim, sent a legal notice and emailed allegedly defamatory content to his official email address. “The complainant stated that his father was under stress because of the harassment,” an officer said.

Wife’s illness added to distress, police say

Police said the 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. Police have registered a case under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. No arrests have been made so far.

In a statement, the IT firm said, “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this extremely difficult time." The company added: “The wellbeing of our employees is of utmost importance to us, and we are extending all support to the bereaved family.” It further said: “We have also taken note of the allegations against the two employees and are ascertaining the facts. Complete cooperation is being extended to the relevant authorities as they continue their investigation.” The statement further read, “As this is an ongoing process, it would not 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.”