Junagadh Farmer's Suicide Sparks Police Case Over Land Dispute
Police in Vanthali, Junagadh district, have taken serious action following the tragic death of a local farmer. They registered a case of abetment to suicide on Saturday. This move came after the farmer's son accused close relatives of relentless mental harassment. The dispute centered on ancestral agricultural land.
Details of the Incident
The farmer, identified as Karsan Katariya, was 60 years old. He lived in Gadoi village within Vanthali taluka. According to official reports, Katariya died by suicide on January 1. Family members rushed him to Vanthali Government Hospital immediately. Unfortunately, the on-duty doctor declared him dead upon arrival.
His son, Nilesh Katariya, is 40 years old. He filed a formal complaint with the police. The complaint names several relatives as responsible for his father's death. The accused include his uncle Durlabh Katariya, Durlabh's wife Manju Katariya, and their three sons: Mahesh, Jigu, and Raja Katariya.
Background of the Land Dispute
The conflict involves ancestral agricultural land in Gadoi village. Records show the land is jointly held in the names of Karsan Katariya and his uncles. About twenty years ago, Karsan allowed his cousin Durlabh to cultivate this land. However, problems began when Durlabh allegedly refused to return possession later.
Karsan approached Vanthali police in 2010 to resolve the issue. Following police intervention, authorities restored the land to Karsan at that time. But the dispute did not end there. Over the past decade, Durlabh reportedly took control of the land again. He then managed to transfer the land into his wife Manju's name.
Allegations of Harassment
Nilesh Katariya's complaint details intense pressure on his father in recent years. For the past two years, Durlabh, Manju, and their son Mahesh allegedly harassed Karsan. They pressured him to formally transfer the land to them. Mahesh works with the Junagadh Police Training Centre under the State Reserve Police.
A specific incident heightened tensions. On December 29, 2025, Durlabh and Mahesh arrived at Karsan's house in a four-wheeler. They took Karsan with them, claiming they wanted to reach a settlement. After this event, family members noticed Karsan became withdrawn and visibly distressed.
Discovery of Suicide Note
The situation took a grim turn when the family found a suicide note. They discovered it in Karsan's pants pocket after his death. In the note, Karsan explicitly named Durlabh, Manju, Mahesh, Jigu, and Raja. He accused them of continuous mental harassment and threats to seize his land. The note stated this relentless pressure drove him to take the extreme step of ending his life.
Police Action and Legal Charges
Vanthali police acted promptly based on the complaint and the suicide note. They registered a formal case under specific legal sections. The charges fall under Sections 108 and 54 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These sections pertain to abetment to suicide, holding individuals accountable for driving someone to such a desperate act.
This case highlights the severe emotional toll of prolonged property disputes in rural areas. It underscores how family conflicts over land can escalate tragically. The police investigation is now ongoing to gather further evidence and statements from all involved parties.
