Farmer commits suicide in Attappady

A farmer from Puliyara in Attappady committed suicide on Saturday following difficulties to sell his land to repay his bank loan. Gopalakrishnan, 57, who was formerly vice president of Agali panchayat, reportedly consumed poison in the early hours of Saturday and died later at a private hospital at Mannarkkad.

A bank had reportedly initiated land recovery proceedings against him after he defaulted on a loan. Gopalakrishnan found it difficult to sell the land to clear his debts, as his attempts to get his name corrected in the land records had failed.

He was also struggling financially as he needed money for varicose vein treatment.

He had reportedly bought his land from Moopil Nair family. Following allegations and complaints, the district authorities had frozen all revenue proceedings there.

Gopalakrishnan himself alerted his brother over the phone after consuming poison. Though he was rushed to a hospital, his life could not be saved. His family alleged that the delay and inaction on the part of revenue officials led to his death.

Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline of Maithri – 0484-2540530, Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre – 0495-2760000 and Direction Interventions System for Health Awareness (DISHA) – 1056.