SURAT: “There is no business and my partners are insisting on closing down. Hence I am taking the extreme step," read the suicide note left behind by a 39-year-old diamond businessman who hanged himself to death at his office in Mahidharpura area of the city on Wednesday.
Mukesh Patel, a resident of Katargam area, took his own life self using a rope. Police have recovered the note from his office at Kabir Building in Dalgiya Mahollo in Mahidharpura.
The door was locked from inside and when no one was responding to the knocking, neighbours alerted the police and also called family members of Patel. After the police and Patel’s brother arrived at the spot, they broke open the door and found Patel hanging.
Police are yet to find out exactly how much debt Patel was in as the family members were busy in performing his last rights. “The exact amount of debt or financial loss is yet to be found out. Once the family members are free, police will investigate further,” said a police officer from Mahidharpura police station.
Patel hailed from Bhavnagar district and lived with family in Lakshmi Township near Gajera School in Katargam.
Debt-ridden Patel also suffered huge losses during the lockdown, found police during preliminary investigation. Like all other diamantaires, Patel too had made purchases before lockdown on credit. During the lockdown, majority of the stock remained unsold with Patel. He also did not receive payment for the diamonds that he sold just before lockdown.
“After lockdown, he managed to sell off some stock but without any profit margin, thereby incurring heavy loss," said the police.