PDO dies by suicide at his Gadag residence

Gadag: Maktum Husen Karadigudda, 46, a panchayat development officer (PDO) serving Asuti and Kothabala gram panchayats in Ron taluk, was found dead at his rented residence. Police said he died by suicide after allegedly hanging himself. Originally from Dharwad district, Maktum Husen took charge as PDO of Kothabala GP only last month. The exact reason behind his death is yet to be ascertained. Family members reportedly said he had been under mental stress following a Lokayukta raid conducted on him during 2022-23, and that he took the issue seriously. The incident came to light after his wife, unable to contact him for two days, asked the landlord to check the house. He was then found hanging. He is survived by his wife and three sons. Police have registered a case and started further investigation.