In a shocking incident that has reignited concerns over work-life balance in India, Sanjay Singh, a 59-year-old Deputy Commissioner in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) department, allegedly died by suicide due to extreme work pressure.
He jumped from his 14th-floor apartment at Apex Athena in Noida’s Sector 75 at around 11 AM yesterday.
His wife has strongly dismissed reports attributing his death to advanced cancer, asserting instead that he was a “victim of the system.” This tragic case has sparked a massive outcry, with tax officials across Uttar Pradesh announcing protests over rising workload and alleged administrative pressure.
Family Refutes Cancer Reports, Blames System
Initially, police sources suggested that Singh had been battling prostate cancer for five years, and depression stemming from his illness could have led to the tragic incident. However, his wife has countered these claims, stating that his cancer was not life-threatening and did not play a role in his death.
“He was not in the last stage of cancer. I have medical records to prove this. The stress from his job, the relentless work pressure, and the fear of repercussions caused this. He was made a victim of the system,” she told the media.
Officials Raise Alarm Over Workload and Pressure
Singh was posted at the GST office in Ghaziabad’s Rajendra Nagar, where he handled Supreme Court cases. His death has prompted widespread outrage among tax officials, who allege excessive workload, pressure to resolve time-barred cases, and even threats of termination.
The Uttar Pradesh Rajya Kar Adhikari Seva Sangh, a body representing tax officials, has condemned the administration’s “high-handedness” and called for protests. Employees have been urged to wear black bands in solidarity, with a mass casual leave demonstration planned after Holi.
“There is immense disappointment among officials. The administration forces them to work on holidays and complete pending cases under extreme pressure. This is leading to anxiety and distress among employees,” the union said in a statement.
Work-Life Balance Debate Resurfaces
This tragic case has fueled a nationwide discussion on workplace stress and mental health, particularly in high-pressure government roles. Employees and mental health advocates are calling for urgent reforms, demanding better work conditions, counseling services, and stricter regulations on excessive workloads.
Call for Investigation and Justice
Mrs. Singh has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to her husband’s death, calling for accountability from authorities. “This must be investigated. The truth should come out so that no other family suffers the same loss,” she urged.
As this incident gains momentum, it raises crucial questions about the mental health crisis among government employees and the urgent need for systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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