Distressed over mother’s death, Bengaluru PWD engineer jumps to death from Devarayanadurga hilltop

BENGALURU: Reportedly upset after his mother passed away last year, a 33-year-old public works department (PWD) engineer Monday jumped to his death from the hilltop at Devarayanadurga in Tumakuru district.

Manju Prasad, resident of Satyamangala in Tumakuru and working with Pavagada PWD, is survived by wife and 10-day-old newborn.

Police said Prasad left home in the morning, telling his wife he was going to Pavagada office. “Instead, he visited a relative in Koratagere, which is close to Devarayanadurga. He told the relative he had come to attend an urgent meeting. Before leaving, he handed his mobile phone and house key to the relative.

Surprised, the relative called Prasad’s family to inform them. “The latter asked the relative to head to Devarayanadurga and see what Prasad was up to. However, by the time he reached Devarayanadurga, Prasad had jumped from the hilltop. His body was found 200 feet below,” a police officer said.

If you are having suicidal thoughts or in need of emotional support, call suicide-prevention helplines: Tele-Manas helpline: 14416 or 1800-891-4416, SAHAI Helpline: 080-25497777.