Former Union Minister demands thorough probe into death of forest watcher

A Forest Department employee was reportedly found dead in his official quarters near the forest office in Bhalki town in Bidar district on Friday.

Police have suspected it to be a case of suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Ankush Sudham, 57, a forest watcher from Bolegaon village in Bhalki taluk. According to sources, he was found hanging in his residence on Friday morning.

Former Union Minister Bhagwanth Khuba called for a thorough investigation into the incident, noting that it had occurred in the constituency of Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar Khandre.

In a post on his official Facebook account, Mr. Khuba alleged that pressure from the Minister had driven the employee to end his life and claimed that the forest officials were attempting to shield those responsible by making baseless allegations against the deceased.

He demanded a thorough probe into the matter and sought Mr. Khandre’s resignation until the investigation was completed.

(Those in distress or having suicidal tendencies can seek help and counselling by calling Arogya Sahayavani 104.)