Mandya: Tension prevailed in Malavalli town Friday after the family of a farmer who allegedly died by suicide staged a protest outside a private microfinance company, accusing it of harassment over loan repayment.The deceased, Nagaraju, 35, was a resident of Tagadaiahanadoddi village in Malavalli taluk.Family members said Nagaraju had borrowed Rs 5 lakh from the microfinance company to invest in sericulture. Continued agricultural losses left him unable to repay the instalments, they alleged, adding that company representatives repeatedly pressured and harassed him to clear the dues.Unable to cope with the alleged harassment, Nagaraju reportedly consumed poison near his agricultural land and died.His relatives later brought the body to the microfinance office and staged a demonstration, demanding stringent action against the company.Police rushed to the spot and held discussions with the agitating family members, urging them to withdraw the protest and proceed with the final rites.Halagur police have registered a case and investigation is under way.If you are having suicidal thoughts or are in need of emotional support, call suicide-prevention helplines — Arogya Vani: 104, Sahay Helpline: 080-25497777
