A 45-year-old cattle feed dealer in Ludhiana died by suicide on Wednesday due to financial crisis. The deceased, identified as Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Haibowal, was found hanging at his shop in the Grain Market area. He left a suicide note stating that he was under immense pressure due to mounting debts and losses in his business.
Incident Details
Police said that Rajesh Kumar had been running a cattle feed business for the past 15 years. However, in recent months, he faced severe financial difficulties. He had borrowed money from several private lenders and was unable to repay them. The suicide note mentioned the names of three people who had lent him money, holding them responsible for his extreme step.
Police Investigation
Sub-Inspector Gurpreet Singh, the investigating officer, said that a case has been registered under Section 306 of the Indian Penal Code (abetment to suicide) against the three lenders mentioned in the suicide note. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination, and further investigation is underway.
The incident has once again highlighted the issue of debt-related suicides among small-scale businessmen in Punjab. Many traders in the region are struggling with financial instability due to economic slowdown and rising input costs.
Rajesh Kumar is survived by his wife and two children. Family members said that he was a hardworking man and had no other vices. They alleged that the lenders had been harassing him for repayment, which drove him to take this drastic step.
The police have urged people to seek counseling and financial assistance if facing similar distress. They also advised against taking extreme steps and encouraged reaching out to helplines for support.
