Bengaluru: A 47-year-old senior scientist with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) allegedly died by suicide after jumping from a residential building in Bengaluru’s Seegehalli area, with his family noting that prolonged work-related stress and mental pressure may have contributed to his death.

The deceased, identified as Sharad Katiyar, worked in ADA’s programming department and was associated with the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk2 programme. He lived with his family in a residential complex in Seegehalli.

According to the family’s complaint, Katiyar had been experiencing severe work-related stress for more than a month. They alleged that the pressure continued despite his seeking medical help and being diagnosed with a depressive episode at a private hospital, NDTV reported.
Also read | Imran Khan can stay in India till November 2 as Bombay High Court intervenes after protest row

Scientist sought psychiatric consultation at NIMHANS

Katiyar visited the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) on October 21 for a psychiatric consultation and was prescribed medication, according to the report.

Following the family’s complaint, Bengaluru Police registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Police have recorded statements from his wife and parents, and an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is underway.
Also read | Women report abuse, not seek judgement: NHRC warns police against victim-shaming

ADA says it was unaware of concerns

ADA Director of Administration and Human Resources Krishna Rajendra said the agency had not been aware of any such concerns involving Katiyar.

He also pointed out that the organisation had conducted several programmes on mental stress management.

Rajendra cautioned against attributing the death solely to work pressure, saying health-related factors could also have played a role. He said employees generally worked from around 8.30 am to 6 pm and that Katiyar had been attending office regularly.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Rajendra said the agency’s leadership remained accessible to employees facing difficulties.

The police investigation is continuing, and the circumstances surrounding Katiyar’s death have not yet been conclusively established.
(Attention: Suicide is not a solution to any problem. Those struggling with mental health issues should seek help from professionals. The 'Disha' helpline provides free counselling and support services. Dial toll-free helpline number: 1056 or 0471-2552056)