Amjad Farooq, an excise inspector in the Property Branch, committed suicide by shooting himself in the washroom at his office in Iqbal Town on Friday.
Excise officer Shahzad told Pakistan Today that Farooq was appointed as assistant sub-inspector in Punjab Police but he had later joined the Excise Department.
He said Farooq was under depression for the last few days but he did not share his worries with any of his colleagues.
He said Farooq came to office on Friday morning and went straight to his cabin without saying a word.
“After some time, we heard a gun shot. We ran to his office and found him dead with a letter near his body,” said Shahzad.
The letter stated: “I paid Rs 2 million to a man for a piece of land but he has disappeared with my money. I have searched for him everywhere but could not find him. The money he took from me is the only asset I have and now I cannot face my family. I request my brother to take care of my children.”
Shahzad said the deceased was a law graduate and had four children.
According to police, the letter written by Farooq did not indicate any name, therefore it may be difficult to trace the alleged swindler.
Nevertheless, the police have started an investigation into the case.
Farooq’s family members told Pakistan Today that for the last few days he had not been speaking a lot and had not shared the reason for his silence.
“Farooq’s attitude in the recent days was very much unlike him. The government should arrest the person responsible for driving my husband to such an extent,” said Farooq’s wife. Excise Director General Humayun Saleem said the incident was heart wrenching. “Our Excise and Taxation Employees Foundation will give Rs 400,000 to Farooq’s family,” he said, adding that the department would try its best to facilitate the family.
