Davangere: The Deputy Commissioner’s office on Tuesday, December 17, witnessed a lot of chaos when an ambulance driver decided to end his life by consuming poison for being suspended from work.
Lingaraj, who was working as an ambulance driver at the Channagiri Town Hospital for the past four years is said to have been suspended from duty without prior notice.
He had alleged that the District Health Officer (DHO) and MLA Madal Virupakshappa had not obliged his request and blamed them for his suspension.
Lingaraj had also alleged that the legislator and the DHO had appointed someone else in his place.
Taking this issue to DC’s office, he threatened to commit suicide if he was not given justice. He was accompanied by his mother.
Deputy Commissioner Mahantesh Belagi, who rushed to the spot, assessed the situation and tried to console him.
DC Mahantesh, giving his own life as an example, explained to Lingaraj how difficult it was for his own mother to raise him.
He said, “When I was five years old, my father died and it was my mother who nurtured and brought me to the post of Deputy Commissioner. She used to make rotis and sell them and with that money, she took care of me and my education. You should face challenges in life strongly and stop behaving like a coward. You have decided to end your life for this silly matter, are you really a man of will?”
When Lingaraj’s mother expressed her concerns, DC Mahantesh criticized her and said, “Do not shed tears in front of me. When my mother could face challenges and nurture me, why can’t you? How can you, a mother, encourage her son to end his life?”
Not happy with not getting his way, Lingaraj behaved rudely with the DC and said that if he didn’t get justice, he would like to leave the office. Enraged by this, DC Mahantesh said, “If so, then just go away. Don’t come here and create drama. I urge the concerned officials to book and file an FIR against him. Just get out of my sight, you coward.”
Later the DC asked the media to guide him and let Lingaraj know what DC’s role is.
After calming down, DC Mahantesh told Lingaraj to enquire with the people of Ramdurg village of the Belagavi district about his struggles.
Meanwhile, DC assured Lingaraj that he would resolve the issue.
