Pune techie leaves meeting midway, jumps to death from office building

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A 23-year-old software engineer working in Pune’s Hinjawadi IT hub died by suicide after jumping from the terrace of his office building on Monday morning. The young man, identified as Piyush Ashok Kawade, had been employed at Atlas Copco (India) Pvt Ltd since July last year, NDTV reported.

According to police officials, Piyush was attending an office meeting when he suddenly complained of chest pain and left the room. A short while later, he jumped from the roof of the building, leading to his death. The tragic event occurred around 9.30 to 10 am at the company’s premises in Hinjawadi Phase II.

Piyush, originally from Nashik, was living in Pune’s Wakad area near the Judo ground. A suicide note was also found at the scene. "A handwritten note was recovered from the body. It is not addressed to any particular individual and reads, 'I would have been a better son. You deserve a better son. I have failed in everything. Please do not waste your time on this. Take care',” Hinjewadi police's senior inspector Balaji Pandhare was quoted by TOI as saying.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Sunil Kurade said that the initial investigation does not point to work-related stress, but a detailed inquiry is still underway. “At first glance, I haven't seen anything related to work-related stress. The investigation is ongoing, but still what he has written in the suicide note will be thoroughly investigated. Relatives, etc are coming,” Kurade was quoted by NDTV as saying.

The case has been registered as an accidental death. Meanwhile, the incident has left coworkers, friends, and local residents in shock. Many have expressed concern over mental health challenges faced by young professionals, especially those in high-pressure work environments, the Pune Mirror report said.

Police are continuing to investigate all possible angles, including personal and professional issues, to determine what led the young engineer to take such a drastic step.