Ratlam Patwari Suicide: Naib Tehsildar Removed Following Massive Protest

In a major development in the suicide case of Patwari Ravishankar Kharadi, the District Administration has attached the accused Naib Tehsildar to the Ratlam headquarters after overnight protests by colleagues and local leaders.

RATLAM: Tensions flared in Madhya Pradesh's Ratlam district as revenue officials and local representatives launched a massive protest following the death of Patwari Ravishankar Kharadi. The deceased, who was posted in Alot, allegedly ended his life due to persistent harassment and professional pressure from his superior, Naib Tehsildar Savita Rathore.

Administrative Action Amid Unrest

Following the discovery of the Patwari's body, hundreds of colleagues gathered at the Industrial Area Police Station. The protesters, remaining steadfast through the night until 4:30 AM on Wednesday, demanded the immediate suspension of Naib Tehsildar Savita Rathore and the filing of a murder case against her.

In response to the escalating situation, Ratlam Collector Misha Singh ordered the removal of Rathore from her current posting. She has been attached to the Land Records office in Ratlam pending a high-level inquiry. However, the Patwari Association maintains that anything short of a formal FIR and suspension is insufficient.

Political Leaders Join Stir

The protest gained significant momentum as Sailana MLA Kamleshwar Dodiyar and leaders from the Jai Adivasi Yuva Shakti (JAYS) joined the sit-in. The MLA sat on the floor of the police station with the grieving family and fellow patwaris, criticizing the administration's delay in taking punitive action.

"This is a clear case of abetment to suicide. If a subordinate had been accused, the administration would have acted instantly," Dodiyar stated. He warned of a massive state-wide agitation if a criminal case is not registered against the concerned official.

Allegations of Extreme Harassment

The controversy centers around a viral social media post shared by Kharadi 15 days before his death. In the letter, he detailed how he was being coerced into making illegal changes to land records and 'fard' reports. He also claimed that the Naib Tehsildar threatened to ruin his younger brother’s wedding celebrations.

The victim’s mother, Kesar Kharadi, alleged that her son was under immense mental agony. She claimed that the official was forcing him to demand money from farmers, a practice he reportedly resisted.

Family in Deep Mourning

The tragedy struck the family just days after Ravishankar's younger brother, Siddharth, was married. While the household was celebrating, Ravishankar was reportedly struggling with the pressure. His wife, Reena, who is currently pregnant, discovered his body on Tuesday afternoon when he failed to respond to repeated knocks.

The couple has a four-year-old daughter. Family members have urged the police to treat the viral letter and a suicide note found in the room as primary evidence.

Current Investigation Status

The local police have seized the victim’s mobile phone and the suicide note. Station House Officer (SHO) Satyendra Raghuvanshi informed the media that a 'Marg' (accidental death) case has been registered.

"We are following the legal protocol. The post-mortem report and the forensic analysis of the suicide note will dictate the next course of action," the official said. He assured the protesters that the investigation would be impartial and thorough.

Revenue Work Comes to Halt

The Patwari Association has announced a complete shutdown of work in the district. District President Laxminarayan Patidar emphasized that the mental health of field-level officials is being compromised by arbitrary demands from higher-ups.

This incident has once again highlighted the reported friction within the revenue department hierarchy in rural Madhya Pradesh. As the Latest News Today continues to track this Public Interest Story, the local administration remains on high alert to prevent further law and order issues.

Future Course of Action

While the Naib Tehsildar has been shifted, the demand for her suspension remains the primary flashpoint. The family is expected to perform the last rites in their ancestral village on Wednesday.

Collector Misha Singh has assured that the investigation will be concluded swiftly. "The truth will come out in the probe, and no one found guilty of misconduct will be spared," she told local reporters. The outcome of the post-mortem is expected to be a turning point in this India News Update.