Jajpur: A debt-ridden farmer of Mangrajpur village under Dharmasala block in Jajpur district allegedly committed suicide late last night by hanging himself with a rope from a tree in the backyard of his house.
The deceased, identified as Gauranga Bala was under mental stress as he was unable to repay loan. He had reportedly taken loans from a bank, micro finance organisation and some private money lenders, said family members.
"Due to financial crunch, manure could not be spread on the five acres of farmland leading to crop loss. Apart from this, he was under mental tension as he had to repay Rs 70,000 to private moneylenders. Loans were also taken from HDFC bank and Asmitha Company. Disturbed over all this, he took the extreme step," said Rashmita Bala, wife of the deceased.
“Bala ended his life as he was under stress due to the loan burden,” said Shyamsundar Sahu, Sarpanch of the village.
There is no other earning member in the family. He is survived by old parents, wife and small children. "If they receive any financial assistance from the government, it would be a great help for the family," Sahu added.
Comments from the district administration officials could not be received on the incident despite repeated attempts.