Senior DRDO Scientist Dies After Falling From Building in Bengaluru as Family Blames Work Stress

A 47-year-old senior scientist working with the Aeronautical Development Agency under the Defence Research and Development Organisation has died after allegedly jumping from his residential building in Bengaluru.

Incident Details

The scientist, Sharad Katiyar, worked in the programming department and lived with his family on the fourth floor of a building in Seegehalli. On October 21, between 7:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., he allegedly jumped from a window located on the landing between the fourth and fifth floors. Family members rushed him to a private hospital in K.S. Halli, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Family Allegations

His family has alleged to the police that sustained work-related pressure contributed to his death. According to their statements, Katiyar had been facing severe work stress for over a month and had been receiving treatment at a private hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a depressive episode. On the day of the incident, he visited the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences for a psychiatric consultation and received a new prescription for medication.

Police Action

Local law enforcement officers from the K.R. Puram police station have registered an unnatural death report under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita. Authorities have recorded statements from the family and are continuing their investigation into the matter.

Context

High-pressure work environments in key technical and research institutions often take a severe toll on employee mental health. Public health helplines remain available across the country for individuals experiencing distress or facing similar mental health challenges.