Mumbai: A 57-year-old contractual employee of the Maharashtra excise department allegedly died by suicide on Sunday by jumping in front of a local train at GTB Nagar railway station, reportedly due to harassment by private moneylenders over delayed loan repayments.
The victim, a resident of Pratiksha Nagar in Sion, Central Mumbai, was found unconscious on the railway tracks in the early hours and later succumbed to his injuries. Police have registered a case of abetment of suicide against three individuals, including a couple and a woman.
Mounting Financial Pressure
Investigations revealed the victim had borrowed ₹3.5 lakh from Manisha Dethe, a Sion Koliwada resident, at a steep monthly interest rate of 9%. The loan was intended to recover losses incurred during the COVID-19 lockdown when a food and milk business he started failed.
However, with the business shuttered, he struggled to meet the ₹31,500 monthly installments. Over time, the loan amount ballooned to ₹7 lakh, with a new monthly interest rate of 7% and an installment of ₹49,000.
The financial stress led him to borrow additional amounts from other lenders, including ₹5 lakh from Vidya Chatur, in attempts to repay the initial loan. Despite paying ₹3 lakh in one instance and borrowing further, the harassment and threats reportedly persisted.
Harassment and Threats
The victim’s family alleged that the Dethe couple frequently visited their residence, abused him in front of family members, and threatened his life over non-payment. On the morning of December 21, Manisha Dethe visited the victim’s home and refused to leave until the debt was settled. This intensified the victim’s stress and fear, prompting him to stay away from home until late Saturday night.
The Final Tragedy
Under immense pressure, the victim took his own life by jumping in front of a moving local train. A signed suicide note found in his pocket accused the three individuals of harassment, further implicating them in his death.
Legal Action
The Wadala Railway Police registered a case against Manisha Dethe, her husband Sudhir Dethe, and Vidya Chatur under charges of abetment of suicide, intentional insult to provoke a breach of peace, and other sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS).
Support Resources
This tragic incident highlights the devastating impact of financial harassment and underscores the need for mental health support in such situations.
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to mental health helplines:
- Aasra: 022-2754-6669
- Sneha India Foundation: +91-44-2464-0050
- Sanjivini: 011-2431-1918
- Roshni Foundation: 040-6620-2001 / 040-6620-2000
- ONE LIFE: 78930-78930
- SEVA: 09441-778290
