65-yr-old farmer commits suicide, arhtiya booked

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, December 15

A 65-year-old debt-ridden farmer allegedly committed suicide at Chatiwind village on the outskirts of the city here today. The deceased has been identified as Paramjit Singh. He reportedly consumed some poisonous substance to end his life.

The police have booked a commission agent (arhtiya) for abetment to suicide. The accused has been identified as Darshan Singh, a resident of Mandiala, near Patti.

Baljeet Singh, son of Paramjit Singh, stated that his father had taken Rs 1.45 lakh from the accused commission agent a few years ago. He had returned Rs 2.95 lakh with interest, but Darshan Singh was still threatening him and demanding Rs 3.5 lakh, he alleged.

Paramjit Singh owned just 2 acres and was upset with the threats from the commission agent due to which he had been depressed for the past few months. Kulwant Singh, a cousin of the deceased, stated that he had attempted to commit suicide earlier too.

Sardool Singh, SHO, said, “There was some dispute over the repayment of loan. On the complaint of the deceased’s son, we have registered a case of abetment to suicide in this regard.” No arrest has been made so far.

Farmer leaders have already accused the state government of going back on its promise to give a complete loan waiver to the farmers. Various unions have even launched an agitation. They claimed that the Congress had promised to waive the entire debt of the farming community before the Assembly poll, but it failed the community. They have also been demanding adequate compensation for families of farmers who commit suicide.