Daijiworld Media Network - Ponda

Ponda, Aug 3: Days after the death of Assistant Jailor and noted litterateur Dr Ramnath Pandhari Gawade, his wife has lodged a complaint with the Ponda Police alleging that sustained workplace harassment by senior officials at Colvale Central Jail drove him to take the extreme step.

In her complaint, Rutika Gawade sought registration of an FIR against the officials concerned and demanded a fair, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances leading to her husband's death.

Dr Gawade, 54, a resident of Tisk, Usgao, was found dead at his residence on July 31, hours after returning home from duty. Police had earlier registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an inquiry.

According to the complaint, Dr Gawade had submitted his resignation to the Inspector General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Central Jail on July 7.

Rutika alleged that although no written response was received to the resignation, her husband later withdrew it because of the family's financial dependence on him and the educational needs of their children.

She further claimed that after resuming duty, his work schedule changed significantly and he was required to report for duty every day, unlike his earlier work pattern.

"I suspect he was subjected to continuous harassment and mental pressure after returning to work," Rutika stated in her complaint.

The complaint also mentions a phone call received from a jail official on July 15, which she has requested the police to examine as part of the investigation.

Rutika has urged the police to investigate why her husband's resignation was not processed, whether he was subjected to undue pressure by senior officials, and to fix responsibility if any wrongdoing is established.

Police are yet to comment on the allegations, and further investigation is underway.