E-Rickshaw Driver Allegedly Dies by Suicide After Receiving House Tax Notice in Lucknow

An e-rickshaw driver in Lucknow tragically died by suicide after receiving a house tax notice of Rs 57,000 from the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC). The incident took place in the Bazaar Khala area of Lucknow, where the driver’s body was found hanging just hours after the notice was served.

LMC Issues House Tax Notice and Seals Portion of House

According to LMC records, the house belonged to Sheetal Kashyap and his brother Rajesh Kashyap. On Saturday, a team from LMC Zone 6 visited the house and affixed a notice for the recovery of Rs 57,000 in house tax. They also sealed the lock on the gate, causing distress to the occupants.

Brother Discovers the Tragic Incident

Sheetal Kashyap’s brother, Rajesh Kashyap, revealed that Sheetal was not present at the house when the LMC officials arrived. When Sheetal returned, he was shocked to find the notice and the locked portion of the house. Rajesh mentioned that Sheetal did not engage with anyone and went inside the house.

Local Allegations and Demand for Justice

Locals in the Bazaar Khala area have alleged that the actions of the LMC officials drove the e-rickshaw driver to take his own life. They demanded that a case of murder be filed against the officials, accusing them of displaying appalling and insensitive behavior. The victim’s family claimed that the LMC officials ignored their pleas not to seal the part of the house where Sheetal parked his e-rickshaw, which was his sole source of income.

LMC Denies Responsibility

However, the LMC officials denied sealing the house and stated that they had served notices to over 50 defaulters in the area as part of their routine procedure. They firmly denied any role in the e-rickshaw driver’s tragic suicide.

Police Investigation Underway

Bazaar Khala SHO, Santosh Kumar Arya, confirmed that they have received the complaint on behalf of the victim’s brother and that all allegations are currently under investigation.

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