Lok Sabha Secretariat officer found dead in Noida, 15-page note reveals Rs 70 lakh debt

A senior officer of the Lok Sabha Secretariat was found dead at his residence in Noida on Wednesday, with investigators looking into whether overwhelming financial pressure led to the suspected suicide.

Police recovered a 15-page handwritten note from the flat, in which the officer reportedly detailed debts worth nearly Rs 70 lakh.

The deceased has been identified as Gaurav Gautam, 40, who was serving as a Director in the Lok Sabha Secretariat. According to police, Gautam's wife returned home to find the door locked from inside.

After entering the apartment with the help of security personnel, she found him unresponsive and alerted the authorities. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

During the investigation, police recovered a lengthy handwritten note that is now central to the case.

Preliminary findings suggest Gautam had been struggling with severe financial difficulties and had accumulated liabilities of around Rs 70 lakh.

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the debt, including whether it involved banks, private lenders or personal borrowings.

Police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination and have seized documents and electronic devices from the residence.

Officials are also scrutinising Gautam's financial records and speaking to family members and others who may help establish how the debt accumulated.

While no signs of foul play have emerged so far, investigators have not ruled out any angle, including whether the officer faced undue pressure over repayments.

The tragic incident has once again highlighted the devastating impact financial distress can have on an individual's mental well-being.

Police said the investigation will continue until all aspects mentioned in the note have been verified and the exact circumstances leading to Gautam's death are established.