Missing Karnataka engineer’s letter alleges fund shortages and workplace pressure

An assistant executive engineer with Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited has gone missing after leaving behind a letter alleging prolonged funding shortages and pressure connected to stalled works, police said. Parvez Dharwad, who worked in the department’s Gadag sub-division, has been untraceable since leaving on September 13. His family said he had told them he was travelling to Bengaluru for a meeting.

His mobile phone has remained switched off. A letter purportedly written by Parvez was found at his office in Gadag and later circulated widely. Gadag Superintendent of Police Mithun H.N.

said a preliminary assessment suggested that the letter had been written by the engineer. Police are investigating and taking steps to locate him. The letter, addressed to the KRDIL managing director, reportedly attributed financial difficulties to delays in releasing funds for works undertaken by the sub-division.

It claimed that several projects had been stalled because funds had been diverted over the past few years and that the department had incurred additional expenditure of about ₹6 crore on older works. The letter also said repeated correspondence seeking the release of funds had not resulted in sanctions. It alleged that group leaders connected with the works were visiting Parvez’s home and office daily to demand payment, adding to the pressure on him.

Parvez’s family made enquiries at several locations before filing a missing-person complaint at Betageri police station on September 16. The letter reportedly expressed concern about his mental well-being and personal life and asked that his family not be harassed. Authorities have not confirmed that Parvez has harmed himself or established the circumstances of his disappearance.

The police investigation and search for him remain under way. Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or severe distress should contact an appropriate mental-health or emergency service.