Distress from Loan Shark Leads Bengaluru Auto Driver to Suicide

Bengaluru, July 11: A 36-year-old auto driver in Bengaluru’s Thanisandra area took his own life by consuming poison on Saturday. Reports indicate that he was overwhelmed by the high-interest rates imposed by a moneylender while trying to repay his debts. Before his death, he recorded a video detailing the harassment he faced.

The deceased has been identified as Yusuf. According to his family, Yusuf borrowed ₹1.75 lakh from a moneylender named Umesh. They allege that Umesh charged a staggering 30 percent monthly interest and continuously pressured Yusuf to repay both the principal and interest.

Police reports suggest that Umesh threatened Yusuf and made derogatory remarks about the women in his family. The family claims that the ongoing harassment, humiliation, and threats drove Yusuf to take this drastic step.

According to police, Yusuf consumed poison while sitting in his auto-rickshaw. Prior to this, he recorded a video where he expressed his struggles. In the video, he is seen opening a bottle of poison and drinking from it, with his condition visibly deteriorating afterward.

In the video, Yusuf allegedly stated that Umesh had provided him with two loans at interest rates of 20 and 30 percent. He claimed that despite informing Umesh about his business troubles and inability to pay such high-interest rates, Umesh continued to demand money without offering any relief.

Based on the family’s complaint, Bengaluru police have filed an FIR against Umesh and initiated an investigation. They are currently verifying the allegations made in the complaint and the details shared in the video. Further inquiries are ongoing.

On Friday, in Gadag city of Karnataka, another individual committed suicide, reportedly due to harassment and threats from moneylenders regarding debts. The deceased was identified as Sampath Dandagi.

Sampath ran a bookstore and was also involved in real estate. Police state that before his suicide, Sampath recorded a video and left a suicide note, accusing moneylenders of forcing him into this decision.

Initial reports indicate that Sampath had taken a loan of ₹15 lakh and was paying approximately ₹56,000 in interest each month. However, after failing to pay one month’s interest, he began receiving persistent calls, leading to further harassment.