Man jumps off 80-ft tank over son’s haircut

HOWRAH: Raju Sarkar, 30, a Toto owner in Chatterjeehat, jumped to death from an 80-ft-high water tank on Saturday, allegedly after a quarrel with his wife Laxmi over their six-year-old son’s haircut.
The moments leading to Raju’s jump were dramatic with his neighbours in Chatterjeehat’s Sarbomongalapally pleading with him to climb down while he kept shouting that he did not want to live. Locals informed police and the fire service, but Raju took the plunge as soon as cops and firemen reached the spot.
When Raju returned home for lunch around 2.30pm, Laxmi allegedly accused him of not paying attention to family matters. As an instance, she cited his reluctance to take their son Rabi for a haircut despite repeated reminders. She allegedly threatened to leave for her paternal home unless Rabi got a haircut.
Enraged, Raju dashed out of the house and climbed atop the water tank. Locals then witnessed high drama till Raju jumped off the tank. Laxmi later said, “I merely insisted that our son be taken for a haircut. I never thought things would come to such a pass.” A case of suicide has been lodged.