In suicide video, Himachal govt bus driver accuses his senior of harassment, levels serious allegations

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Mandi (Munish Sood)

Sanjay Kumar, a Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) driver posted at Dharampur bus depot in Mandi district, died allegedly by consuming poison.
The incident has sent shockwaves across the region after a video recorded by his family during his final moments surfaced. In the video, Sanjay levelled serious allegations against Dharampur Regional Manager (RM) Vinod Kumar Daru, accusing him of harassment and withholding his salary for four months.

Family demands action against Regional Manager

Sanjay Kumar, who was transferred from Kullu to Dharampur four months ago, alleged in the video that Vinod Kumar Daru regularly harassed him, stopped his salary for months and threatened him with suspension.
“He used to say he would suspend me and teach me how to work,” Sanjay is heard saying in the video. Unable to bear the pressure, Sanjay consumed poison a few days ago, leading to his death.
The video, widely circulated on social media, has raised questions about the working conditions and management practices within the HRTC. Sanjay’s family has demanded justice, calling for action against the RM and an investigation into the matter.

Regional Manager denies allegations

Regional Manager Vinod Kumar Daru has denied all allegations, claiming that Sanjay was being paid on time and was not harassed.
Speaking to the media, Daru said, “The accusations made against me are baseless. There was no delay in salary and no harassment was involved.”
The incident has reached the HRTC’s senior management, with Divisional Manager Vinod Thakur saying that an inquiry had been ordered. “We are aware of the incident. A thorough investigation will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings,” he said.

Recurring issues in troubled HRTC

Sanjay’s death is not an isolated incident. It highlights deeper issues within the HRTC where employees have frequently alleged harassment, delayed payments and poor working conditions.

  1. Delayed salaries: Employees have long complained about delays in receiving their salaries, causing financial stress and forcing them into debt. Sanjay’s claim of not receiving his salary for four months is a stark reminder of this ongoing issue.
  2. Harassment allegations: This is not the first time HRTC employees have accused senior officials of harassment. In many cases, drivers and conductors have reported being overburdened, penalised unfairly, and threatened with suspension for minor issues.
  3. ⁠Lack of support: Despite the critical nature of their job, HRTC employees often work under unsafe and stressful conditions, with little support for their mental and physical well-being.
  4. Recurring tragedies: Another HRTC driver had died allegedly by suicide in Shimla. Another driver had passed away after suffering a heart attack while on duty in May 2023, raising concerns about the working environment.
MUNISH SOOD

MUNISH SOOD

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