Andhra man dies by suicide alleging police harassment in video

Two policemen in Andhra Pradesh, including a Sub Inspector (SI) were suspended for allegedly abetting a death by suicide. P Shiva, a 23-year-old man from Pidimgoyyi village in East Godavari district was caught by Chillakallu police in Krishna district last year, while allegedly bringing two liquor bottles from Hyderabad. An official from the Krishna District Superintendent of Police’s (SP) office said that a criminal case was filed against constable M Sivaramakrishna, was accused of abetting the young man’s suicide, after the official allegedly harassed the young man. Meanwhile, SI Durga Prasad was suspended for dereliction of duties and lapses in supervision. Shiva had died by suicide this year, following which a video of him emerged, where he said that he was harassed and threatened by the constable from the Chillakallu police station after being summoned on August 9. He claimed that the constable threatened him (Shiva) of booking him in a ganja smuggling case, if he failed to pay Rs 1 lakh. In the video, Shiva said that he was called to the police station recently by Sivaramakrishna as part of a summons notice, following which the policeman allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 1 lakh, to write off the case against him. In the video, Shiva said "Though I bought two bottles of liquor, they have written that I bought five bottles. Now one year later, they asked me to come. I went there and they're saying they will file a ganja case and falsely book me if I fail to give Rs 1 lakh." He is further heard saying, "I'm feeling very sad from the bottom of my heart. I don't know whom to tell. Even if I tell people, they will blame me, asking why I had brought even the two bottles. That is why I'm helpless. Forgive me for killing myself like this. Sorry if anyone was hurt by me. Love you friends." Shiva’s brother, Rajesh, alleged that his brother was harassed by the police, who demanded Rs 1 lakh in bribe and was threatened that a case of ganja smuggling would be booked against him. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Kaushal had earlier said that there will be severe action against the policemen in this particular case, if they were found engaging in illegal or corrupt practices on duty. Owing to a rise in liquor prices and fewer outlets in the state in the backdrop of Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s attempt at phased prohibition, there have been cases of smuggling and people bringing liquor from neighbouring states. In September 2020, the Andhra Pradesh High Court said that the possession of three bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) by individuals was allowed as per a Government Order (GO) issued by the Excise Department earlier in 2019. If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.    Tamil Nadu State health department's suicide helpline: 104 Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu) Andhra Pradesh Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930 Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584 Karnataka Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222 Kerala Maithri: 0484 2540530 Chaithram: 0484 2361161 Both are 24-hour helpline numbers. Telangana State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104 Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200 SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm) Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.     24x7 Helpline: 9820466726, Click here for working helplines across India.