Harassment or family strife? Conflicting claims emerge in HRTC driver’s death

Himachalscape bureau Published: January 18, 2025 | Updated: January 18, 2025 3 minutes read

Shimla, Jan 18,

Contents

HRTC’s claim About the Author Himachalscape bureau

The tragic death of Sanjay Kumar, an HRTC driver posted at the Dharampur depot in Mandi district, has spiraled into a contentious matter with allegations of workplace harassment and counterclaims of domestic strife. Sanjay reportedly consumed a poisonous substance at his residence on January 11, 2025, and succumbed the same night.

As reported by a leading media this morning, his wife, Pushpa Devi, has filed an FIR, accusing workplace harassment as the cause of his death. According to her statement, Sanjay had been visibly disturbed on January 10, 2025, and confided in his sister about facing threats and harassment at work place. She alleged that the mental and emotional abuse by his superiors caused the stress that led to his untimely demise.

As per the media report, Pushpa Devi in the FIR has recounted how Sanjay’s condition worsened on January 11, leading to vomiting at around 4:30 PM. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he passed away at approximately 11:00 PM.

When Himachalscape called the district police officials to confirm the FIR no response was received.

HRTC’s claim

On the other hand in a media note issued on January 17, HRTC, cited documented evidence of Sanjay Kumar’s history of domestic violence. The corporation disclosed that he had previously availed medical leave in November 2022 while posted at the Kullu unit, alleging physical abuse by his wife and son, which resulted in injuries and an FIR.

HRTC revealed that Sanjay had applied for leave on January 7, 2025, citing “domestic strife” but proceeded on leave without approval. The corporation emphasized that during his seven-month tenure at Dharampur, he had availed significant leave—72 days—including a 28-day stretch in December 2024.

The corporation also addressed Sanjay’s disciplinary record, which included instances of negligence and alcohol consumption while on duty at the Rampur unit. Following reinstatement, he was transferred to Dharampur in June 2024.

While denying allegations of harassment, HRTC maintained that the deceased had received his salary up to December 2024, contradicting claims of financial distress.

The case has grown increasingly complex with the contrasting narratives from Pushpa Devi’s FIR and HRTC’s official account. The viral video recorded by Sanjay Kumar before his death, in which he reportedly mentioned harassment, adds another layer to the controversy.

Meanwhile the HRTC Driver and Conductor Union have demanded an independent inquiry, alleging bias in the preliminary investigation conducted. The union has called for the appointment of a retired or judicial officer to lead the probe, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Also local leftist Organisation CITU District President Bhupendra has raised the demand for immediate suspension of RM Dharampur. He has even alleged that a murder case should be registered on the statement of deceased driver Sanjay Kumar.

He has alleged that the said RM has filed chargesheet against 85 drivers and conductors of Dharampur depot and has stopped their increments. Bhupendra said that many corporation employees have informed that most of the employees of Dharampur depot are fed up with the dictatorship of RM.

So now as the matter continues, a conclusive probe will be crucial in uncovering the truth and delivering justice to the grieving family.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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