Pune: In a heartbreaking incident, a 37-year-old electrician employed at Sinhgad Business School’s Erandwane campus on Khilare Marg ended his life allegedly due to prolonged financial stress caused by salary non-payment for nearly a year.
The deceased, Manoj Bhau Bhagat, took the drastic step at his home in Jaybhawani Nagar, Kothrud, on Tuesday afternoon. Prior to the incident, he made a video call to a school clerk, Madhuri Vargade, informing her that he was ending his life because he hadn’t received his salary for the past 11 months.
Following the incident, his elder brother Navnath Bhagat (42) filed a complaint at Kothrud Police Station, demanding accountability from the school’s director. However, police have yet to register a formal case.
Investigation Underway
Senior Police Inspector Sandesh Deshmane of Kothrud police confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and statements are being recorded from those connected to the case.
According to Navnath’s complaint, Manoj had been a permanent employee at Sinhgad Business School for the past 15 years. His younger brother Ganesh Bhagat, who works as a security guard at the same institution, has also reportedly not been paid for 11 months, along with other staff.
Manoj had taken loans to cover his household expenses and had become increasingly distressed over his financial situation. The burden reportedly pushed him towards alcoholism, and he frequently expressed suicidal thoughts to his family when discussing the unpaid salary.
On Tuesday at around 3:30 p.m., Manoj, while consuming alcohol at home, asked his elderly parents to go downstairs. He then placed a video call to Madhuri Vargade, clearly stating his decision to end his life due to financial helplessness. After ending the call, he hanged himself with a saree.
A visibly shaken Madhuri immediately contacted fellow employee Nathu Marne, who relayed the information to Ganesh. They rushed to Manoj’s house but found him unresponsive.
Ganesh confirmed that many employees, including himself and his late brother, have gone without salaries for nearly a year, pushing their families into extreme hardship.
