Harassed by finance company, farmer commits suicide in Gundlupet

CHAMARAJNAGAR: A farmer committed suicide by consuming poison, allegedly due to harassment by a private finance company, at Nenekatte village in Gundlupet taluk on Tuesday.

Krishnaiah (65) had borrowed Rs 7 lakh from a private finance company to buy a tractor. However, he was unable to repay the loan.

Farmers staging a protest demanding justice for farmer Krishnaiah’s family

Six months ago, the company seized the tractor due to non-payment of EMIs. Following this, Krishnaiah’s cheque bounced and police arrested him. He felt humiliated by this and took the extreme step alleging harassment by the financial company. A case has been registered at the Gundlupet police station.

Prakash, a farmers’ leader, led the protest, demanding regulation of private finance companies.

Following the death of Krishnaiah, a group of farmers staged protest in Gundlupet demanding justice for the family of the deceased.

One of the farmers, Prakash, claimed harassment from financial companies is increasing day by day. “There is no one to control them. Finance companies force farmers to sign on blank cheques before sanctioning loans. If a loan is not repaid in full, they let lose rowdy elements on us. The authorities concerned should take stern action against such finance companies”, he demanded.