Harassed by khap, farmer succumbs to suicide attempt

MYSURU: A 56-year-old farmer, who attempted suicide three weeks ago after being harassed by a group of villagers, died during the wee hours of Saturday. Farmer Siddaramegowda of D Saalundi village, 13 km from Mysuru, breathed his last at Krishnarajendra Hospital where he was undergoing treatment.
A gang of five villagers, who operate an alleged khap-like panchayat, had asked Siddaramegowda to pay a fine of Rs 2 lakh on false charges of abusing an announcer.On July 12, the gang had allegedly threatened to excommunicate Siddaramegowda if he failed to pay up the money. Soon after, a petrified Siddaramegowda hung himself from a tree in his field.
Though Siddaramegowda was rescued and shifted to hospital by his children, his life couldn't be saved. Siddaramegowda was first treated at JSS hospital for nearly two weeks before he was shifted to KR Hospital on July 24.
Siddaramegowda's son Basappa alleged that the self-styled khap-like gang has been fleecing villagers for many years now. “They often target villagers who raise their voice against them. They enjoy the blessings of local politicians. A few of them were earlier members of the gram panchyath,” Basappa added.
"They penalized nearly six villagers during the past five months. They often collect money to build temple, but then later splurge it on themselves," Basappa said.
Siddaramegowda was harassed after he allegedly questioned another villager Shivannanayaka, who was making announcements seeking funds for construction of a temple in the village, on July 6. He had reportedly asked him not to make the announcement on his street.
Following a complaint by Basappa, police filed an FIR against Shivannanayaka and four others — Kullegowda, Nanjundegowda, C M Siddaramegowda and 'Cement' Siddaramegowda — for abetting the farmer's suicide. All the five accused are absconding.
People of Saalundi alleged that the gang even used to fleece residents of neighbouring villages Kerehundi and Doddahundi on various false charges.