Date:29/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/29/stories/2008032958090300.htm

Karnataka - Mysore

Inquest ordered into farmer’s suicide

Staff Correspondent

MYSORE: The suicide case of H.M. Manjunath, a farmer from Hospura village in Nanjangud taluk, allegedly due to harassment by ICICI Bank authorities and loan recovery agents, took a new turn with Deputy Commissioner of Mysore P. Manivannan ordering an inquest. At a meeting here on Thursday, Mr. Manivannan ordered the Assistant Commissioner of Mysore Division to inquiry whether the bank abides by all the rules while advancing loans.

Mr. Manivannan also directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate to issue summons to the bank officials and all the parties concerned.

He instructed the Police Department to submit a petition before the court to get Manjunath’s tractor released to his family.

Mr. Manivannan directed the bank officials to examine whether they could waive the loan and report to him by April 16.

Manjunath had borrowed Rs. 4.79 lakh from the bank to purchase the tractor.

He had repaid the first instalment and sought time to pay the second instalment.

However, the bank’s recovery agents “humiliated” Manjunath in public and took away his tractor.

Manjunath committed suicide on December 4, 2007, and left behind a note holding bank officials responsible for his death.