BBMP officials are so spooked after a recent suicide at their office that they are planning to drive away the dead man's spirit with pujas.

Staff fear that M Lakshman's spirit is hovering in the office, a source told MiD DAY.

Lakshman, an assistant commissioner in the election cell suspended following a Lokayukta raid, committed suicide by hanging from a fan at the BBMP head office at N R Square. The chamber had been locked for investigation for a few days but now officials are unwilling to use it.

So, they've decided to perform a Navagraha Shanthi for his soul on Sunday.

The corruption watchdog had found Lakshman and his family in possession of riches they could not explain.

Boo!: One of the corriders in BBMP supposedly haunted pic/ Satish Badiger

Rumour, reason

"It's unfortunate that our officials are performing this," said a senior official at the BBMP head office. "They fear his spirit may haunt the place and his death may lead to others in the office."

Adding to the fears is the rumour that a peon of the election cell was hospitalised a day after Lakshman killed himself.u00a0

So, also on the agenda are rituals like Mruthyunjaya Japa (prayer to Lord Mruthyunjaya) to prevent untimely deaths in the department, the Ayushya Homa for officials' long life, and Durgasapthashati Parayana (prayer to Goddess Durga) to put an end to evil forces in the chamber.

What puja?

"I'm not aware of this," said V Sriramreddy, additional commissioner. "I have to get inputs from my officers before commenting."

Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena, believed to be against such practices, is out of town and was not available for comment.

Mohini Kaatam!
This is the third ghost that's making Bangalore go white.

There were rumours recently of a lady wearing a white sari in Room No 26 of the High Court.