SAD leader, Budhlada MC president commits suicide

A SAD leader and president of the Budhlada municipal council allegedly committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance, police said today.

Harvinder Singh (40) was depressed because of the allegations of embezzlement of funds against him, his family claimed.

Police said a case was registered yesterday against 20 persons, including 15 members of the municipal council in Mansa district, on the charge of abetment to suicide.

The family members of deceased alleged that some council members had held protest against Singh twice, accusing him of embezzling funds.

Gurtej Singh, the deceased's brother-in-law, said Harvinder left home to meet his friend at 2 pm and then consumed poison at a friend's shop.

He was facing a no-confidence motion in the council which was to be taken up on August 29.

Gurtej claimed that Harvinder was working honestly and efficiently.

"Some persons in the council were harassing him unnecessarily. He was fearing social stigma of being called as corrupt and then ended his life," Gurtej said.