Shivamogga: The alleged suicide of a senior traffic police official inside a police station in Shivamogga has shocked law enforcement circles and renewed focus on workplace stress, internal conflict, and mental health challenges within the police force.
Muhammad Zakaria, a 55-year-old head constable attached to the Shivamogga Traffic Police Station West, was found hanging inside the station premises on Wednesday night. Zakaria, who served for 26 years, reportedly ended his life after leaving a death note accusing a colleague of harassment and humiliation.
Police sources said Zakaria returned to duty three days earlier after taking leave for health reasons. On the day of the incident, he was assigned traffic duty near the Shivamogga Bus Stand. After finishing his shift, he returned to the station. Later, he went to the lock-up area behind the building, where he was found dead.
Senior officers, including the Superintendent of Police Nikhil B, reached the station soon after the incident. The body was sent for post-mortem, and an unnatural death case was registered at the Doddapete police station.
The death note named fellow head constable Nasir Ahmad, alleging sustained harassment for almost a year. Zakaria wrote that he faced verbal abuse and public humiliation despite performing his duties with sincerity. He stated that the treatment affected his mental and physical health.
The note also referred to incidents during high-profile security duty and remarks made before senior women officers. Zakaria said he shared his distress only with his younger brother. He held the named colleague responsible.
