Tragic Suicide Follows Alleged Financial Betrayal in SHG
A devastating incident has shaken the Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu, where the leader of a women's self-help group died by suicide after a significant sum of money meant for a bank loan repayment was allegedly misappropriated by a fellow member. The incident highlights the severe pressures faced by community financial leaders.
The Loan and the Alleged Swindling
K Gracie, a 32-year-old resident of Kundalalli, had been leading the Mahalakshmi Women's Self-Help Group for eight years. The group, consisting of ten members, had secured a loan of Rs 12 lakh from Canara Bank last year. According to police officials, the group had managed to repay Rs 6 lakh a few months ago.
In a recent development, Gracie collected the remaining amount of Rs 6.55 lakh, which included interest, from the members to close the loan. She entrusted this substantial sum to a fellow SHG member identified as Gomathi, with the instruction to deposit it at the bank.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Gomathi allegedly swindled the entire amount instead of repaying the bank. When Gracie confronted her about the missing funds, Gomathi reportedly promised to return the money in two instalments but failed to honour her commitment.
Mounting Pressure Leads to Tragedy
The situation escalated as other members of the self-help group began questioning Gracie about the loan repayment. Unable to recover the money and facing immense pressure and frustration, Gracie consumed poison at her home on December 23.
Her relatives immediately rescued her and rushed her to the Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment. In a bid to save her life, she was later transferred to a private hospital in Krishnagiri. Tragically, despite medical efforts, Gracie succumbed in the early hours of Monday.
Police Action and Aftermath
Following the tragic death, the Karimangalam police have registered a case and arrested the accused SHG member, Gomathi. The investigation is ongoing to trace the swindled funds and establish the complete sequence of events.
This heartbreaking case underscores the vulnerabilities within community-based financial systems and the extreme stress borne by individuals responsible for collective funds. It raises serious questions about accountability and safeguards in self-help groups, which are crucial for women's economic empowerment in rural India.
