Woman attempts to end life outside Patiala DC office

Frustrated over alleged bureaucratic delay to act on encroachments, a 40-year-old woman from Shekhpur village allegedly attempted to end her life by consuming a poisonous substance outside the Deputy Commissioner’s Office at the District Administrative Complex.

Identified as Sandeep Kaur, wife of Jaspal Singh, the woman was rushed to a hospital where her condition is stated to be stable, according to officials.

According to Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Isha Singhal, the woman arrived at the DAC around 9.30 am and appeared distressed. “As per her initial statement, she was being harassed by some individuals. She was referred to the one-stop centre for counselling and medical examination. She is currently under medical care and is stable,” she added.

Assistant Sub-Inspector Harjinder Singh of Tripuri police station said a formal complaint is yet to be recorded. “During preliminary inquiry, it was found that the woman had earlier filed a complaint with the village sarpanch regarding the cleaning of the village pond. She consumed a poisonous substance while sitting in the DAC waiting area,” he said, adding that doctors have stated the woman was not fit to record her statement.

Her brother, Sanjiv Kumar, alleged that his sister had been repeatedly harassed after raising the issue of illegal encroachments on the village pond by some individuals.

“Due to the encroachment, rainwater had started seeping into her house, and the problem worsened during the monsoon. She submitted complaints at multiple levels—from the kanungo to the BDPO and other revenue officials—but no action was taken. Instead, those encroaching on the pond began threatening and abusing her,” he claimed.

“She went to the DC office today to submit another complaint when this unfortunate incident occurred. She was struggling from depression. Doctors told us that the next four days are critical. We demand action not just against those harassing her but also against the government officials who failed to act despite repeated complaints,” Sanjiv Kumar adding that her husband Jaspal Singh is living outside.

Chandigarh