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Suspended Nagar Palika Employee Dies by Suicide, Alleges ₹19 Lakh Bribe Demand in Note; FIR Registered Against Five

A tragic incident in Bisalpur, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power after a suspended municipal employee allegedly died by suicide, leaving behind a detailed note accusing senior officials of accepting large sums of money on the promise of restoring his government job.

The deceased, Upendra Shankhdhar, a suspended tax collector with the Bisalpur Nagar Palika, was found dead at his residence on Tuesday. According to police, a five-page suicide note recovered from the scene contains allegations that a senior municipal official accepted approximately ₹19 lakh from him while promising to facilitate his reinstatement but allegedly failed to fulfill the assurance. The note further claims that an additional ₹8 lakh was later demanded.

Based on a complaint filed by the deceased’s brother, police have registered an FIR against five individuals, including the Executive Officer (EO) of the municipal body and the husband of the municipal chairperson. Authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway and that every allegation mentioned in the suicide note will be thoroughly examined.

Suspended Employee Found Dead at Home

According to police officials, 52-year-old Upendra Shankhdhar was found hanging inside his residence in Bisalpur.

Family members immediately informed the police, who reached the spot and recovered the body for post-mortem examination. During the search of the residence, investigators reportedly discovered a handwritten five-page note detailing the circumstances that allegedly pushed him towards taking the extreme step.

Police have stated that the contents of the note are being verified as part of the ongoing investigation.

Background of the Case

Upendra Shankhdhar had been working as a tax collector in the Bisalpur Nagar Palika.

In September last year, he was suspended after being accused in an alleged ₹30 lakh tax embezzlement case.

Following the registration of the case, he was arrested by the police. After spending several months in custody, he was granted bail in January this year.

Since his release, he had reportedly been operating a small grocery shop while waiting for developments regarding his suspension and possible reinstatement.

According to family members, he had been trying to regain his government job for several months.

Allegations in the Suicide Note

The five-page note reportedly contains serious allegations against Executive Officer Shamsher Singh.

According to the note, the official allegedly accepted around ₹19 lakh from Upendra Shankhdhar with the assurance that he would help secure his reinstatement in the municipal department.

However, the deceased alleged that despite accepting the money, no action was taken to restore his employment.

The note further claims that another ₹8 lakh was later demanded for completing the process.

Police have not yet confirmed the authenticity of every allegation and have stated that all claims are currently under investigation.

Family Claims Money Was Raised Through Hardship

One of the most emotional sections of the suicide note reportedly explains how the money was arranged.

According to the allegations, the deceased claimed his family had:

  • Sold ancestral land.
  • Mortgaged jewellery.
  • Borrowed money from various sources.

The note suggests that these financial sacrifices were made in the hope of securing his return to government service.

Investigators are now verifying these financial claims through documentary evidence.

Brother Files Police Complaint

Following the incident, the deceased’s brother Anurag Shankhdhar approached the police and lodged a formal complaint.

Apart from the financial allegations, he claimed that Upendra had also faced repeated humiliation and physical assault.

According to the complaint, the alleged harassment caused severe mental stress, which eventually led to the tragic incident.

Police have included these allegations in the FIR and are examining them during the investigation.

FIR Registered Against Five Accused

Based on the complaint, police registered a case against:

  • Executive Officer Shamsher Singh
  • Aman Jaiswal alias Nikky, husband of the Bisalpur Municipal Chairperson
  • Three other individuals

The FIR initiates a formal criminal investigation into the allegations made by the complainant.

Police clarified that registration of an FIR does not establish guilt and that the investigation will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support the allegations.

Executive Officer Rejects Allegations

Executive Officer Shamsher Singh has reportedly denied all accusations made against him.

He described the allegations as baseless and maintained that he had committed no wrongdoing.

Officials said his statement will also form part of the investigation.

Police are expected to record statements from all accused persons before deciding on further legal action.

Police Investigation Underway

Bisalpur Station House Officer Sanjeev Kumar Shukla confirmed that investigators are examining every aspect of the case.

The investigation will include:

  • Verification of the suicide note.
  • Examination of financial transactions.
  • Recording statements from witnesses.
  • Collection of documentary evidence.
  • Forensic analysis, if required.
  • Review of the deceased’s suspension records.

Officials have said no conclusions will be drawn until all evidence has been examined.

Suicide Note to Be Verified

Although the suicide note has become a crucial piece of evidence, police have emphasized that its contents require independent verification.

Investigators are expected to examine:

  • Handwriting authenticity.
  • Circumstances under which the note was written.
  • Alleged financial transactions.
  • Communication records.
  • Supporting documentary evidence.

Legal experts note that while suicide notes are important investigative documents, courts generally require corroborating evidence before establishing criminal liability.

Corruption Allegations Raise Serious Questions

The case has also reignited public debate regarding corruption within local government bodies.

Experts say allegations involving payments for government reinstatement are extremely serious because public employment decisions must follow legal administrative procedures rather than unofficial financial arrangements.

If evidence confirms the allegations, the matter could involve multiple legal provisions relating to corruption and criminal misconduct.

However, authorities have stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage.

Mental Health and Workplace Stress

The incident also highlights the broader issue of mental stress faced by individuals involved in prolonged legal and employment disputes.

Suspension from service, criminal proceedings, financial hardship, and uncertainty regarding employment can create severe emotional pressure.

Mental health professionals emphasize that individuals facing such challenges should seek timely emotional and psychological support from family members, friends, or qualified professionals.

Importance of Fair Investigation

Legal experts believe the seriousness of the allegations requires an impartial and transparent investigation.

A fair inquiry would help determine:

  • Whether money changed hands.
  • Whether any illegal promises were made.
  • Whether harassment occurred.
  • Whether criminal offences were committed.
  • Whether departmental action is necessary.

The findings will ultimately determine the legal responsibility of those named in the FIR.

What Happens Next?

The police investigation will continue over the coming days.

Authorities are expected to:

  • Question the accused.
  • Verify financial records.
  • Analyse documentary evidence.
  • Examine official municipal records.
  • Obtain forensic reports if necessary.

Only after completing the investigation will police decide whether to file a charge sheet before the court.

Conclusion

The alleged suicide of suspended Bisalpur Nagar Palika employee Upendra Shankhdhar has raised serious questions regarding corruption, administrative accountability, and workplace harassment. The allegations contained in the five-page suicide note, including claims that ₹19 lakh was taken on the promise of reinstatement and additional money was later demanded, have led to the registration of an FIR against five individuals.

At present, these remain allegations under investigation. Police have stated that every claim will be examined carefully before any conclusions are reached. As the inquiry progresses, the findings will be closely watched by both the public and legal authorities to determine whether criminal wrongdoing or administrative misconduct occurred in the case.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Upendra Shankhdhar?

He was a suspended tax collector employed by the Bisalpur Nagar Palika in Uttar Pradesh.

2. What allegations were made in the suicide note?

The note allegedly claims that ₹19 lakh was taken to secure his reinstatement and that an additional ₹8 lakh was later demanded.

3. How many people have been named in the FIR?

Police have registered an FIR against five individuals, including the Executive Officer and the municipal chairperson’s husband.

4. Have the allegations been proven?

No. The allegations are under investigation, and no court has established criminal liability.

5. What is the current status of the investigation?

Police are examining the suicide note, financial records, witness statements, and other evidence before taking further legal action.

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