In a tragic incident, a debt-ridden farmer committed suicide by holding to a high tension power cable in Chikkamsihosur village of Hangal taluk in Haveri district on Friday.
The name of the deceased was given as Chamansab Arisinaguppi (58), a resident of Shirakod village in the taluk. He was deeply depressed due to crop failure for two years and alleged harassment by moneylenders seeking repayment. He reportedly sat on the transformer by holding to high tension cable for more than two hours till power supply was resumed. The incident sent shock waves in the area and a large number of people gathered near the spot.
According to sources Chamansab Arisinaguppi left his house at 5 a.m. and walked nearly one kilometre to reach the spot. He climbed onto the transformer on the outskirts of the village. But there was no power supply at that time. He, however, was aware that power supply will resume at 8 a.m. and sat there till power supply resumed. People rushed to the spot only when they heard a loud sound and saw fire emanating from the transformer. But it was too late. Chamansab Arisinaguppi owned three acres of agricultural land and had taken about ₹ 4 lakh loan from banks and other sources for farming, they said.
