Lineman facing probe commits suicide

A lineman of the power utility, who has been facing a vigilance probe in a case related to missing meters and seals, allegedly committed suicide by consuming some poisonous substance here today.

A team of the vigilance department of the power utility had yesterday raided the house of Chaman Lal, a resident of Bhatia Colony, to conduct a probe into allegations that he had stored meters and seals in his house in violation of the rules.

The family members of the deceased alleged that the vigilance team humiliated Chaman Lal even as he continued to plead innocence.

Not able to bear the humiliation, he consumed sulphas tablets today morning.

He was rushed to a private hospital from where he was referred to Delhi. However, he died on the way to the National Capital.

Later, kin of the deceased blocked the NH-1 outside the local Civil Hospital demanding action against the top three officials of the power utility, who visited their house yesterday.

The traffic movement was disrupted for half an hour till senior officials of the district administration reached the spot and persuaded the agitators to lift the blockade.

The body of the deceased was handed over to the family after a postmortem. None of the officials of the power utilities was available for comment.