Pune-based union leader attempts suicide

A Pune-based union leader of a private company allegedly tried to commit suicide in the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee’s office at Gandhi Bhavan near Mantralaya on Thursday.

A Pune-based union leader of a private company allegedly tried to commit suicide in the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee’s office at Gandhi Bhavan near Mantralaya on Thursday.

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According to the Cuffe Parade police, Kailash Khatkale (24) consumed a liquid during the party’s weekly ‘Jan Sampark meeting.

Khatkale, an employee of the Sumitmil Auto Pvt Ltd had gone to meet the Minister of State for labour Padmakar Valvi with 20 others to tell him about their pending labour-related issues.

In the meeting, where Textile Minister Mohammed Arif Naseem Khan was also present, Khatkale removed a bottle from his pocket and consumed the liquid while his colleagues were speaking to Valvi.

He was rushed to the GT Hospital and he is out of danger.

“We have registered a case of attempt to suicide and suspect that he drank soap water,” said an officer from the Cuffe Parade police station.

Police said Khatkale and his colleagues were promised permanent jobs in the company and a pay hike but the management failed to keep its promise. Dajiba Sagar, Khatkale’s colleague said they came to meet Valvi as they were paid Rs 300 while the employees on contract were given salary of Rs 8,000.

Police are awaiting the report to find out what poisonous substance did he consume.