Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa on Friday announced an inquiry into the death of Dr SR Nagendra (43), the taluk health officer of Nanjangud who allegedly committed suicide, reportedly due to harassment by a senior official.

“I have ordered for a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the suicide of the health officer who is said to have died because of harassment from seniors. The regional commissioner of Mysuru will investigate and submit the report within a week,” Yediyurappa said.

The government also announced ex gratia of 50 lakh to the deceased officer’s family and a job to a dependant.

Following the incident, state chief secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar issued a circular to deputy commissioners and zilla panchayat CEOs to treat all doctors and medical staff with dignity.

“Respond to the issues they raise, but do not humiliate them,” he said.

The death on Thursday of Dr Nagendra, who was on Covid-19 duties for the past six months, has triggered anger among the medical fraternity.

Doctors have warned of going on indefinite strike (attending only emergency cases) if the government fails to act against those responsible for his death.

Dr HN Ravindra of the state government medical officers’ association said government doctors and medical staff were under extreme pressure to achieve Covid-19 testing targets.

“They are working relentlessly without taking a day’s off and managing the show despite being severely understaffed. Dr Nagendra was staying away from his family for six months and was under tremendous pressure,” Ravindra said at the funeral of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress has urged the government to take immediate action against those responsible for the incident.

“The incident reflects this government’s attitude towards medical and paramedical staff, ASHAs (Accredited Social Health Activists) and Anganwadi workers. What is preventing the CM from acting against the person who harassed the deceased doctor?” state Congress chief D K Shivakumar said.