Bangalore: Unable to bear the alleged harassment from her senior colleague, a 41-year-old garment factory employee committed suicide by setting herself ablaze on the factory premises in Peenya on Friday.
The deceased has been identified as Puttamma, a resident of Hosaguddadahalli on Mysore Road, working with Swan Silks Private Ltd, in Peenya.
Puttamma, who was living with her husband Janardhana, an autorikshaw driver and two children in Hosaguddadahalli, was working in the packing section for the past nine years.
On Friday, Puttamma attended work at 9 a.m. and went for tea break at around 10.30 a.m. with others. She later slipped into the store room and poured white petrol and allegedly set herself ablaze. Coworkers, who heard the screams, rushed her to a nearby private hospital where she was declared brought dead. The Rajgopal Nagar police rushed to the spot and shifted her body to Victoria Hospital for post-mortem.
Prelminary investigations revealed that Puttamma reportedly had a heated argument with a supervisor over a trivial row recently when the latter shouted and allegedly abused her. Puttamma had even discussed the matter with her sister and husband, who advised her to quit the job, But she decided to continue work, Janardhan told the police. The police found the CCTV at the storeroom which had captured the suicide of Puttamma. The police have obtained the footage and are examining it.
Reacting to the allegation, Murali denied harassment stating that he was working in the factory for 10 years, but there was no complaint against him.
He admitted before the police that there was an argument between him and Puttamma related to work.
Police said that they have summoned Murali for questioning.
