A farmer, allegedly hurt by the loan recovery proceedings, committed suicide by consuming poison in Kallarasarahallli of the taluk on Sunday. The name of the deceased farmer is given as Venkatarama (30).
It is said that the father of Venkatarama had borrowed Rs 40,000 from Taluk Primary Land Cooperative Bank, about 15 years ago. The bank authorities, on Saturday, reportedly gave wide publicity to debt - totalling Rs 93,000 including interest, owed by the farmer, through handbills in the village.
Venkatarama, hurt by the publicity, is said to have consumed poison on Saturday night and the matter came to light in the wee hours of Sunday. He breathed last even as attempts were being made to shift him to a hospital. Venkatarama is survived by a 2-year-old son, nonagenarian father and a brother. His wife has died one year ago.
Byrakuru revenue inspector Venkatesh visited the house of the farmer on behalf of the taluk administration and paid Rs 1,000 for final rites. Nangali police have registered a case.
General Secretary of State Kisan Sabha M Gopal and CPM taluk secretary have condemned the death and warned of launching a stir if the bank authorities did not restrain themselves from pestering farmers for repayment. They have also demanded compensation for the family of the deceased.
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