Disabled man dies after consuming poison outside Vidhana Soudha

Ashok Gowda, native of Kunigal taluk, was allegedly dejected over financial problems.

A 35-year-old disabled man from Kunigal taluk in Tumakuru, who attempted suicide by consuming pesticide outside the Vidhana Soudha, died at Victoria Hospital here on Tuesday.

Ashok Gowda, a native of Madappanahalli and a painter by profession, was allegedly dejected over financial problems. He was living with a relative in Kamakshipalaya and had lost his left leg and hand in an accident in 2009.

With no job, he was running from pillar to post to get compensation, but in vain. He had approached the High Court for compensation, but the case was dismissed, the police said.

Ashok wanted to file a fresh case and had come to court on Monday. Since he reached after court hours, the advocate told him to come back the next day, the police said.

Following this, Ashok went to the Vidhana Soudha to meet the Chief Minister. However, the police did not let him in. Later, he went to the Devaraj Urs statue near the West Gate of the Vidhana Soudha and consumed pesticide. Passersby noticed him writhing in pain and rushed him to Victoria Hospital where he died.

The Vidhana Soudha police found a suicide note written by Ashok, in which he expressed difficulties in leading his life because of disability.

“I cannot lie in the court to get compensation. Hence I decided to end my life,” he said. The police have taken up a case and are investigating. Although Ashok’s family is struggling to pay a loan after three borewells dried up and silk prices crashed, Kunigal tahsildar Shambulingaiah said the suicide cannot be linked to loans. “He was a paint contractor and not a farmer,” he said.