BELAGAVI: A tragic incident unfolded in Hukkeri taluk as a farmer took his own life after his wife and son were held captive by a money lender. The village of Islampur, located in the Yamakanmaradi Assembly constituency represented by Minister Satish Jarkiholi, was shaken by the events that transpired.
The farmer, Raju Kothagi, had borrowed Rs 1.5 lakh from Siddavva Baiyyanavar, a resident of the same village, at an exorbitant monthly interest rate of 10%. When Siddavva demanded repayment of the loan, Raju requested a few days’ extension, but his plea fell on deaf ears. Instead, Siddavva insisted that Raju leave his son, Basavaraj Kothagi, in her custody until the debt was settled.
As the situation escalated, Raju and his wife, Durgavva Kothagi, went to Siddavva’s house to secure the release of their son. However, Siddavva released Basavaraj but detained Raju and his wife. The following day, she released Raju but continued to hold Basavaraj and Durgavva captive. Overwhelmed by the distressing turn of events, Raju returned home and tragically took his own life.
The authorities, including the Yamakanmaradi police, faced criticism for their delayed response in filing a case against Siddavva. Despite the family’s pleas, a complaint was only registered late at night, leaving Raju’s loved ones in anguish.
Belagavi Police Superintendent B S Nemagouda addressed the media, confirming that Durgavva had filed a complaint and that Siddavva was being interrogated. The investigation aims to determine if Siddavva’s actions constituted professional money lending practices and if she had charged excessive interest rates. Should evidence support these claims, additional charges may be brought against her.
