Patna: Buxar police have launched an investigation to ascertain what prompted senior deputy collector Tauqeer Akram to take his life on Sunday.

Sources said the forensic report had confirmed that Akram, 46, who was posted as officer on special duty to the district magistrate, had committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling fan at his rented accommodation.

Though the post-mortem report is officially yet to be handed over to the investigating officer of the case, preliminary reports suggested that Akram's death was caused by hanging and it happened between 3am and 5am on the fateful day. The viscera was sent for forensic test.

"The investigating officer has been instructed to ascertain the factors that compelled the officer to take the extreme step. The statement of family members and other close relatives will be recorded," Buxar sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Shaishab Yadav told The Telegraph on Tuesday.

Yadav said the late Bihar Administrative Service officer's mother had told the police on Sunday that Akram was in distress over his work load and was trying for his transfer from Buxar.

She also talked about financial constraints that Akram was facing because he was being paid only half his salary. "The police will also look into this aspect during investigation," Yadav added.

Inspector-general (Patna zone) Nayyar Hasnain Khan said the preliminary investigation had revealed that it was a case of suicide.

"Wait for some time. The reason behind the incident will come to the fore soon as the investigation is under way," he said.