Bhanjanagar: A supervisor in Tata Power’s vigilance section in Bhanjanagar, Ganjam district, attempted suicide on Wednesday inside the company’s office premises, driven by alleged harassment and a termination notice from an outsourcing company.The supervisor has been identified as Bhaktaram Sahu.Having served for four years, Bhaktaram faced accusations of unsatisfactory work, leading to a notice of termination by month’s end, which plunged him into mental distress, according to reports.On Tuesday, Bhaktaram was detained by police after an official accused him of obstructing departmental vehicles outside the office. The police, finding no evidence, released him the same day. Overwhelmed by the alleged mistreatment, Bhaktaram entered the Tata Power office on Wednesday morning, poured kerosene on himself, and attempted self-immolation.Fellow employees intervened, rescuing and calming him. Departmental officials reportedly held discussions with him afterward.
Bhaktaram told the media that if justice is not served soon, he may attempt suicide again. Allegations have surfaced that the outsourcing company threatened to fire other employees if they supported Bhaktaram’s protest.Despite Tata Power’s takeover of electricity distribution in the state, frequent power outages persist in Bhanjanagar. The company relies heavily on outsourcing agencies, which hire and terminate employees at will, leading to recurring protests outside local offices, reports added.
