Debt-ridden Rajasthan farmer kills self ahead of his farm auction by bank

Unable to repay debt to a nationalised bank, a farmer in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district killed himself on Sunday to save himself the embarrassment of seeing his farm auctioned on August 7, police said.

Manglaram Meghwal, 37, of Hudeel village under Nawa development block owed Rs 27,869 to the Punjab National Bank. On July 2, Nawa sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Ram Sukh issued a warrant for attachment of his farm (2.5 hectares), allowing the bank to auction it on August 7 to realise the dues.

Bank manager Nand Ram had asked Meghwal to repay the loan before June 27. When the farmer could not, the bank approached the SDM for proceedings related to attachment of property. Repeated calls to Nand Ram on his mobile phone remained unanswered.

Meghwal was found hanging from the ceiling of his house. His wife said he was under tremendous stress after the notice for auction was served.

“His distress level increased as the deadline for repayment of loan was approaching near. He had sought time from the bank officials but his requests fell on deaf ears,” said Meghwal’s wife, Sarita.

“He chose to die over humiliation on August 7 when our land was scheduled for auction,” she added.

Meghwal’s younger brother Bansiram said, “Bhaisab was trying hard to arrange money so that at least half of the bank’s loan amount could be settled.”

“He had approached some moneylenders in Nawa town but they were demanding very high interest for the loan,” he added. “Finding no alternative to prevent auction of his land, he chose to die.”

Chitawa police station sub-inspector Ramesh Kumar said they were informed about the suicide on Sunday morning. “We brought the body down and handed it over to family after autopsy,” he said.

SDM Sukh said he has ordered an inquiry into the incident.

First Published: Aug 05, 2018 22:41 IST