Sureshkumar, 51, an office assistant at the Tiruvarur Panchayat Union Office, allegedly ended his life after he was arrested by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption personnel on May 14.

According to official sources, Sureshkumar had allegedly assisted the Block Development Officer, Swaminathan, in receiving ₹7,000 bribe from Bharathidasan of Kizhakavathukudi hamlet to avail house-site approval. The BDO was trapped by the DVAC personnel on May 14 at his office and subsequent interrogation led to the arrest of Sureshkumar.

While the DVAC personnel were interrogating Swaminathan and Sureshkumar at the Tiruvarur PU office on Thursday night, Sureshkumar excused himself to answer nature’s call. He then allegedly attempted to end his life. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us mental health helpline 9375493754)

[e.o.m]