Debt-ridden farmer kills self as land deal goes awry

Tribune News Service

Fatehgarh Sahib, February 8

Unable to repay the bank loan taken for his dairy project, a Khanpur farmer in the district allegedly committed suicide by jumping into the Bhakra mainline canal.

The victim’s kin today blamed SAD leader and block samiti member Gurbax Singh for Ranjit Singh’s (40) death. They alleged that Gurbax had failed to pay Ranjit the full sum after buying 1 acre land from him.

Ranjit’s brother Surinder Mohan Singh alleged his brother had sold the land for Rs 35 lakh to Gurbax Singh after he failed to repay the loan. He had suffered heavy losses in the dairy business. Surinder alleged Gurbax didn’t pay Ranjit the entire amount even though he had made several pleas.

However, Gurbax Singh refuted the allegations. He claimed the deal was struck at Rs 22 lakh. He said after repaying the loan of Rs 13.8 lakh, he had given Rs 8 lakh to another party from whom Ranjit had taken some advance for the land. He alleged this was a conspiracy to defame him.

Jatinder Singh Khaira, SSP, said they would investigate the case if a complaint had been filed.