Home Guard Sumathi was not paid for 4 months

Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (RJP)

Bengaluru, Jul 23: City police commissioner N S Megharik reportedly rushed to the police quarters at Shivajinagar after he received information that a woman home guard attached to his office, was planning to commit suicide on Friday, July 22 evening.

Sumathi S is the person who tried to end her life over delay in the release of salary by the police department. She regulates traffic in front of the police commissioner’s office.

Distressed by a four-month delay in payment of salaries, Sumathi tried to consume poison. But police commissioner’s visit at right time saved her life, reports said.

It is said that after completing her work on Infantry Road, Sumathi explained her problem to DCP (Traffic) Abhishek Goyal who might have sent the message to the commissioner’s office. But Goyal said he is not aware of any suicide attempt by Sumathi.

The Commissioner after visiting Sumathi gave her Rs 2,000 and assured her that the salary would be released soon, a Sumathi’s relative said adding “Several Home Guards have not received their salaries for the last two months. The Commissioner has promised that he would address the matter immediately.”

Sumathi has been working for six years with the Bengaluru police. She was not paid at all for the past four months. She was forced to borrow Rs 35,000 for her son’s fees and other home expenses from her police friends. Her monthly salary is Rs 12,000.

Sumathi is recognised as an efficient and cheerful person. She has received awards and commendations from the police. She comes from a very poor background and hence she does not have any savings.

“I have faced many problems in life, but I had never thought of suicide. This was the first time. I don’t know what pushed me to such desperation,” Sumathi said, as per sources.

Sumathi also had fear that she would be sacked if she reminded about the non-payment of salary.

“Sumathi had not consumed anything for the last two days and it had affected her health. She is resting at her house. Reports of her attempting suicide are false,” Megharik said denying that Sumathi had tried to end her life.

Police are trying their best to hide the suicide attempt by Sumathi.