Shock and Grief in Coastal Karnataka as Puttur Councillor Ramesh Rai Dies in Suspected Suicide

PANEMANGALORE, KARNATAKA — June 6, 2025 | By Investigative Correspondent

In a deeply tragic turn of events that has sent shockwaves across the Dakshina Kannada district, Ramesh Rai Nellikkatte (55), an elected councillor of the Puttur City Municipal Council, was found dead on Thursday in an incident being treated by authorities as a case of suicide.

According to initial police reports, Rai allegedly jumped into a drinking water tank located near the Netravati River in Panemangalore, around 30 kilometers from his hometown. His lifeless body was recovered later in the day by local authorities, triggering an outpouring of grief, confusion, and public reflection on the pressures faced by grassroots politicians.

Timeline of Events

Police investigations reveal that Rai left Puttur early on the morning of June 5, traveling alone on his motorbike. Around 11 a.m., he was spotted in Panemangalore, where he reportedly parked his vehicle near the old Panemangalore bridge — an area adjacent to the drinking water facility.

Locals were alerted when they discovered an abandoned bike, a shirt, slippers, a purse, and a mobile phone neatly left near the tank’s perimeter. Suspecting foul play or distress, they promptly contacted Bantwal Town Police. Upon examining the mobile phone and identification materials at the scene, officers confirmed the deceased was Ramesh Rai, and his family was informed immediately.

Who Was Ramesh Rai Nellikkatte?

Ramesh Rai was no stranger to public service. A familiar face in Puttur’s civic administration, Rai was known as a committed grassroots leader who had been elected multiple times to the local municipal council. Colleagues recall him as a calm and strategic voice in policy discussions — often prioritizing rural sanitation, community health initiatives, and water conservation.

His political career, however, was not without challenges. In recent months, sources suggest Rai had faced mounting pressures both personally and administratively. Local opposition leaders had reportedly clashed with him on budget allocations and urban planning issues. Nonetheless, there was no clear public sign of emotional distress, making the alleged suicide all the more shocking.

Public Reaction: Mourning and Unanswered Questions

The news broke late Thursday evening, sparking widespread reaction on social media and in local newsrooms. Within hours, hundreds of messages poured in from supporters, friends, and fellow council members, expressing disbelief and sorrow.

“I saw him last week at a town hall discussion on youth employment,” said Divya Prabhu, a Puttur-based NGO worker. “He was speaking about building resilience in public life. I cannot believe this is real.”

In Panemangalore, local residents who discovered Rai’s belongings were equally disturbed. “He left everything neatly near the tank, almost as if he wanted to be found. That image is going to haunt us,” said Mohan D’Souza, a local shopkeeper.

Police Perspective: An Open Investigation

Speaking to the media, Bantwal Circle Inspector Raghunath Shetty said, “At this stage, the case is being registered as a suspected suicide. We are analyzing mobile phone data, reviewing CCTV footage in the vicinity, and speaking with close contacts to rule out any foul play.”

Shetty also stated that no suicide note has been found yet, but police have not ruled out the possibility of digital evidence offering clues.

“Although there is no evidence of external harm, our forensic team will be conducting a full postmortem and background assessment,” he added.

The Mental Health Gap in Indian Politics

This tragedy has reignited conversations around mental health support for public servants. Across India, elected representatives at the local level face immense pressure from both constituents and political hierarchies, often without access to professional counseling or emotional resources.

While the Parliament has debated workplace stress among bureaucrats, urban and rural civic representatives remain largely excluded from those protections. Several civil society groups have now renewed calls for establishing mandatory mental wellness sessions and access to therapy for public officials.

What Comes Next?

A memorial service for Rai is expected to be held in Puttur on Saturday, with senior leaders from across the political spectrum likely to attend. The Puttur Municipal Council has declared a two-day mourning period, and all council operations will remain suspended during this time.

As investigations continue, the community — still reeling from the loss — is demanding a broader look into the systemic challenges that may have contributed to Rai’s death. Activists are calling on both state and national leadership to not let this incident fade into statistics but to act meaningfully on public servant well-being.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

Mental health is real, and support is available. If you are experiencing distress or know someone who may be, please contact the 24/7 Suicide Prevention Helpline at 9152987821 (iCall) or 080-4611 0007 (Vandrevala Foundation). All calls are confidential.

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