Bhatkal/Kumta: Widespread anger has erupted among locals and municipal employees after a young revenue inspector from the Kumta Municipality went missing under mysterious circumstances. The officer had allegedly faced prolonged mental harassment from the Chief Officer (CO), sparking public outrage and calls for his immediate transfer.
The missing youth, Venkatesh Ramesh Harijan (25), a resident of Koteshwara Harijankeri in Bhatkal taluk, was serving as a Revenue Inspector (RI) at the Kumta Municipality.
According to a complaint filed by his mother, Asha Ramesh Harijan, at the Bhatkal Town Police Station, her son had been under severe mental stress due to continuous pressure and humiliation from CO M.R. Swamy. She stated that, unable to bear the harassment, Venkatesh left home late at night without informing anyone and has not returned since.
Before his disappearance, Venkatesh reportedly left behind a letter detailing the harassment he endured. In it, he accused the Chief Officer of coercing him to manipulate official building records—specifically to convert a property from “B Khata” to “A Khata.” The letter also alleged a ₹4 lakh bribe demand, the use of abusive and casteist language, and repeated public humiliation.
Venkatesh further wrote that the Chief Officer often justified his actions by falsely invoking the name of Kumta MLA Dinkar Shetty, allegedly to exert additional pressure. He reportedly shared this letter with the office staff via WhatsApp before going missing.
Following his disappearance, police registered a case at the Bhatkal Town Police Station, and a search operation is currently underway.
Meanwhile, Kumta Municipality employees have condemned the Chief Officer’s alleged misconduct and submitted a memorandum to the Municipal President, demanding Swamy’s immediate transfer. Local residents and government employees have also voiced strong disapproval, questioning how a senior official could subject a subordinate to such humiliation and stress.