Security officials at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) rescued a contract worker who was trying to take his own life at the premises of the Hyderabad civic body on Saturday, July 17. Ramesh Yadav, who has been working as a sanitary field assistant with the GHMC for the past ten years, came with his wife to the GHMC office and tried to set himself ablaze.
Visuals on social media showed Ramesh pouring petrol on himself, even as security staff tried to thwart his attempts, and the man’s wife is seen resisting the security officials. Later, Saifabad police took the man into custody and counselled him.
Ramesh has alleged that an Assistant Medical Officer working with the GHMC had been demanding money from him, and when he refused to pay, he was removed from the job, and it was given to someone else who paid the money.
Speaking to TNM, Ramesh Yadav said, "Dr Uma Gouri, who is an Assistant Medical Officer in Goshamahal circle, is demanding a payment of Rs 6,000 per month. I had earlier even paid Rs 25,000 to her husband once. When I refused to pay, she made someone file a frivolous complaint against me and terminated me."
Ramesh Yadav, a contract 'sanitary field assistant' was allegedly terminated for refusing to pay bribe to a Asst Medical Officer. He tried to immolate self at GHMC office.These are scathing allegations hope @GHMCOnline would look into them. pic.twitter.com/6fcnyA9A8V
— CharanTeja (@CharanT16) July 18, 2021
Ramesh Yadav has alleged that he is not the only one who was removed. Ramesh has said that a woman staffer who refused to pay this bribe was also removed from the job, and was replaced with someone who paid the bribe.
Ramesh said, “There are two sanitary field assistants who force the workers to pay Rs 6,000 as bribe every month. They will ask us to pay the money to her husband through Phone Pay."
According to Ramesh, workers like him are paid a salary of Rs 18,000 but get only Rs 14,000 in hand after deductions and the payment of Rs 6,000 as a bribe has been affecting their families.
Ramesh has demanded that the GHMC Khairatabad Zonal officials cancel his termination and probe the corrupt practices by the Assistant Medical Officer, and people who are assisting her in harassing the workers.
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.
Telangana
State government’s suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)
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
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
Telangana
State government’s suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm)