The wife of Assistant Jailor and noted Marathi litterateur Dr Ramnath Pandhari Gawade has approached Ponda Police, alleging that persistent harassment by senior officials at Colvale Central Jail pushed her husband to take the extreme step.

In her complaint, Rutika Gawade has sought the registration of an FIR against the officials she has named and called for an impartial and transparent investigation to ascertain whether workplace pressure contributed to her husband's death.

Dr Gawade, 54, a resident of Tisk, Usgao, was found dead at his residence on July 31 after returning home from duty. Police had registered a case of unnatural death and commenced an inquiry into the incident.

Rutika stated that her husband had submitted a resignation letter on July 7 to the Inspector General of Prisons and the Superintendent of Colvale Central Jail. She alleged that no official communication was received regarding the resignation. According to her, Dr Gawade later decided to continue in service because he remained the family's primary source of financial support and had educational responsibilities towards his children.

She further claimed that after continuing in service, his work routine changed considerably and he was required to report for duty every day instead of following his earlier schedule. Rutika has alleged that he was subjected to constant mental stress and harassment during this period.

The complaint also refers to a telephone conversation involving a jail official on July 15, which she has requested investigators to examine as part of the inquiry.

Rutika has urged police to investigate why the resignation was not acted upon, whether undue pressure was exerted on Dr Gawade by senior officials, and to fix responsibility if any lapses or misconduct are established.