Kendujhar: A Fire Services employee allegedly climbed onto the rooftop of a three-storey office building in Anandapur and threatened to self-immolate, reportedly citing mental stress and alleged harassment by a senior officer, on Saturday.
The incident took place at the Shalapada Fire Services office, where employee Hemananda Dehuri climbed to the rooftop and threatened to take the extreme step. Other employees at the office reportedly intervened and managed to bring him down safely.
Dehuri later alleged that he had been facing repeated mental pressure and harassment from officer Surya Hembram. He claimed that the situation had affected his ability to work and said he had been under considerable mental stress.
“We are not able to work for the public. Surya Hembram sir harasses me. The previous officer was good, and we were able to work smoothly. Due to the pressure, I wanted to take such a step. I could not handle the mental stress and harassment. We are not able to do our work properly, and I am under a lot of tension,” Dehuri said.
According to Dehuri, he had allegedly faced mental harassment on several occasions and had raised concerns over the working environment. He reportedly warned that he might take an extreme step if his grievances were not addressed.
The intervention of his colleagues prevented the situation from escalating further. Employees present at the office reportedly persuaded Dehuri to come down from the rooftop and brought him to safety.
The allegations against the officer could not be independently verified immediately. It was also not clear whether Dehuri had lodged a formal complaint with senior Fire Services authorities regarding his allegations.
Further details, including whether the department has initiated any inquiry into the allegations, are awaited.
