Gujarat Administrative Service officer dies by suicide in Vastrapur government quarters

An officer of the Gujarat Administrative Service (GAS) was found dead at his government residence in Vastrapur on Wednesday morning in what police suspect to be a case of suicide.

The deceased has been identified as Manojkumar Popatlal Pujara, who was serving at the Gandhinagar Secretariat. Police said he allegedly hanged himself inside his official quarters.

The incident came to light around 11 am on Wednesday, when Pujara’s driver, who would pick him up daily for duty, failed to reach him on the phone. When the driver went to the officer’s quarters, he found the door ajar and on entering, discovered Pujara hanging.

According to investigators, Pujara had been living alone for the past 11 years. He was widower and is survived by a son who resides in Mumbai.

Police said no suicide note was recovered from the spot. “Preliminary inquiry suggests that loneliness may have driven him to take this extreme step. The body has been sent for post-mortem and further investigation is underway,” said an officer at Vastrapur police station.

The incident has caused shock among colleagues in the state secretariat, where Pujara was known as a quiet and disciplined officer.