Revenue Inspector of Kumta Municipality Disappears After Alleging Harassment by Senior Officer

By The News Observer Desk

Kumta: In a shocking development, Venkatesh R, a Revenue Inspector  employed at the Kumta Town Municipal Council (TMC), has gone missing after leaving behind an emotional handwritten letter to his mother. In the letter, Venkatesh alleged severe harassment by a newly appointed TMC officer, citing caste-based discrimination and pressure to engage in illegal activities as reasons for his distress. Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the authenticity of the letter and locate Venkatesh.

According to the letter, Venkatesh, who was appointed on compassionate grounds following his father’s death—a former Kumta TMC employee—claimed the officer repeatedly targeted him due to his lower caste. He alleged the officer pressured him to regularize an unauthorized building near Vinayak Patel’s property along NH-66, reportedly under instructions from a local MLA. Venkatesh wrote that the harassment escalated over time, culminating in a public humiliation incident on October 7, 2025, when the officer insulted him in front of other staff members.

In the heartfelt note, Venkatesh expressed regret for his decision to disappear, asking his mother to care for his brother and sister. While the letter suggests he may have intended to harm himself, authorities have not confirmed these claims and are treating the case with urgency.

Authorities  have appealed to the public for assistance in locating Venkatesh. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is requested to contact his family at [8095690421, 7676949870, 8431850947, 7411218298.] or the local police station immediately.

The allegations of caste-based harassment and coercion to engage in illegal activities have raised serious concerns about workplace practices at the Kumta TMC. Authorities have promised a thorough probe into the claims, and further updates are awaited as the search for Venkatesh continues.