A tragic incident from Maharashtra's Akola district has once again cast a harsh light on the alleged exploitation of farmers by illegal moneylenders. A farmer, driven to despair by relentless harassment over a loan, reportedly died by suicide after recording a video message naming his tormentors.
The Harassment That Led to Tragedy
Gopal Patkhede, a resident of Digras Budruk village under the Patur police station limits, ended his life on November 26. The police complaint states that his ordeal began when he borrowed a sum of Rs 1 lakh from a local private moneylender, Rakesh Gandhi, at an interest rate of 20%.
According to his family, Gopal managed to repay the principal amount along with the accrued interest. However, the accused lenders allegedly did not stop their demands. They are accused of continuing to harass Gopal for an exorbitant additional sum of Rs 7 to 8 lakh. The moneylenders, identified as Rakesh Gandhi and his associate Sachin alias Bunty Kharal, reportedly used frequent threats and pressure tactics.
The harassment escalated to the point where the accused allegedly forcibly took a part of Gopal's agricultural land as surety. The family claims that through coercion, the moneylenders got 0.40 hectares of land at Belora Khurd registered in their names.
A Final Video Accusation
Before taking the extreme step, Gopal Patkhede recorded a video on his mobile phone, leaving behind a chilling testimony. In the video, he explicitly named Rakesh Gandhi and Sachin Kharal as his harassers.
"They are not letting me live… I am under constant pressure. That's why I am ending my life," Gopal stated in the video, as per reports. This direct accusation has become a crucial piece of evidence in the case.
Police Action and Community Outcry
Following the suicide, Gopal's brother, Nagesh, filed a formal written complaint with the Patur police. Based on this, the police have registered a case against the two accused moneylenders.
Hanumant Dopewar, the in-charge of Patur police station, confirmed that the two primary accused are currently absconding. He stated that search operations to locate and arrest them have been intensified.
The incident has sparked anger and grief among family members and villagers. They have demanded strict action, alleging that a widespread network of illegal money lending is exploiting distressed farmers in the region. The family posed a poignant question, highlighting the absurdity of the demands: "How can a farmer repay 7-8 lakh after taking a loan of just 1 lakh?"
This case underscores the persistent and deadly problem of agricultural debt and unregulated lending in rural India, where farmers often fall prey to exploitative practices with devastating consequences.
