Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur
Puttur, Feb 22: A 26-year-old youth was killed after being hit by a train near the Haradi bridge close to Kabaka Puttur railway station on February 20. Police suspect that the incident may be a case of suicide.
The deceased has been identified as Pavan Kumar (26), son of Sumathi, a resident of Goundatti near Pulithadi in Uppinangady village. He was reportedly employed on a merchant vessel but had not resumed work for the past few months and was staying at home.
According to sources, Pavan had left his house on Thursday afternoon and is said to have told his mother that he would end his life. It is also learnt that he had changed his Instagram display picture with a message reading “I am dead.”
The incident came to light when a train travelling from Mangaluru to Bengaluru reportedly hit a person near the Haradi bridge in the evening. The loco pilot informed the station authorities about the mishap. A man wearing black pants and a full-sleeved shirt, with a wristwatch and a black bag nearby, was found dead on the railway track. An Android mobile phone was also found shattered at the spot. Railway police rushed to the scene and shifted the body to Mangaluru for further procedures.
Meanwhile, Pavan’s mother, concerned as he had not returned home, informed former Uppinangady gram panchayat member Suresh Atramajalu. While efforts were underway to trace him, news of a body being found on the railway track surfaced. Upon verification, it was confirmed to be Pavan Kumar.
The family is said to be financially distressed. Pavan had lost his father at a young age and was raised by his mother, who worked as a daily wage labourer. His sister had reportedly discontinued her education midway to support the family.
Former gram panchayat member Suresh Atramajalu extended support to the bereaved family by accompanying them to Mangaluru to complete official formalities and later assisting in bringing the body back home. He also remained with the family until the last rites were performed at Durgagiri crematorium and provided financial assistance.
Sources indicate that mental distress may have been the reason behind the extreme step. Pavan Kumar is survived by his mother and sister.
Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Kindly seek the help of mental health experts if you are under any kind of distress. Call toll free helpline number 9152987821.