Bengaluru: Belur man dies by suicide after accusing local leaders of harassment

A 35-year-old man from Belur, near Bengaluru, died by suicide shortly after sharing a disturbing video on Facebook, where he alleged mental and physical harassment by multiple individuals, including a local BJP leader and a municipal councillor.

Also read: Anaya Bangar reveals harassment faced during gender transition in cricket 

The deceased, identified as Praveen Gowda Belur, named at least six individuals in the video, claiming their actions had driven him to take the extreme step. Among those mentioned were Kiran Gowda, Harish, Bhaskar Narayanappa, Doddahagade Madhu Gowda, and Saravana. He appealed for legal action, specifically highlighting Kiran Gowda’s role in his declining mental health.

Praveen also accused Krishna Gowda of routinely harassing women through phone calls. In a particularly serious allegation, he stated that BJP Mandal president Muniraju Gowda, councillor Bhagyamma, and her husband Srinivas had physically assaulted him. He claimed the incident occurred at Muniraju’s residence under the pretext of a financial discussion, where he was allegedly ambushed and beaten for nearly two hours. Praveen said his phone was forcibly taken during the assault.

Just hours after the video was uploaded, Praveen was found hanging from a tree near a school in Anekal, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The video has since gone viral, prompting public outrage and demands for an impartial investigation into those named in the recording. Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident.