Farmer commits suicide after wife, son held captive over loan repayment in Hukkeri taluk

BELAGAVI: A farmer committed suicide by consuming poison after his wife and son were held captive by a money lender at Islampur in Hukkeri taluk. The village comes under the Yamakanmaradi Assembly constituency represented by minister Satish Jarkiholi. The police are questioning the money lender.

The farmer, Raju Kothagi, had borrowed Rs 1.5 lakh from Siddavva Baiyyanavar of the same village at 10 per cent monthly interest five months ago. Two days ago, Siddavva summoned Raju and demanded return of the money. When Raju sought a few days’ time, Siddavva did not agree to it and demanded that Raju leave behind his son Basavaraj Kothagi at her place.

Raju’s wife Durgavva Kothagi and her son were held captive.

When his son did not return till evening, Raju and his wife Durgavva Kothagi went to Siddavva’s house to seek their son’s release. Siddavva then released Basavaraj, but kept Raju and his wife captive. The next day, she released Raju and held Basavaraj and his mother Durgavva captive. Upset over the developments, Raju returned home and committed suicide.

The Yamakanmaradi police also allegedly did not file a case immediately and made Raju’s family members wait the whole day on Monday and then registered a complaint against Siddavva only at night.

Belagavi Police Superintendent B S Nemagouda briefing the media about the incident.

Addressing media persons on Tuesday, Belagavi Police Superintendent B S Nemagouda said Raju’s wife Durgavva has lodged a complaint and the money lender was being questioned. “Siddavva had given the loan after taking two cheques from Raju about 5-6 months ago. She sought repayment of the loan following which Raju ended his life. We are investigating if Raju’s family was held captive and whether Siddavva is a professional money lender. If so, another case will be booked against her for charging high interest”, he said.

On allegations that the police were reluctant to register a complaint, the SP said it will be investigated and action taken against the police personnel if there was any lapse.