Farmer kills self near Salem after being ‘humiliated by private financial firm employees’

SALEM: A farmer killed himself by consuming pesticide in Salem district on Wednesday after allegedly being humiliated by two employees of a financial firm over defaulting loan repayment.
The deceased farmer has been identified as P Vadivel, 46, of Thukkiyampalayam near Vazhapadi. He borrowed Rs 3 lakh from a private financial firm in 2024. He defaulted a few EMIs due to financial difficulties.
K Suresh, a relative, said two employees of the bank visited Vadivel's home on Tuesday and allegedly subjected him to humiliation for defaulting the loan repayment. "Overwhelmed by this ordeal, Vadivel consumed pesticide," he said.
His family members rushed him to a private hospital in Vazhapadi, but he died before receiving medical care.
The Vazhappadi police registered a case and sent the body to the Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital (SGMKMCH) for postmortem.
Vadivel's relatives protested outside the SGMKMCH, demanding action against the employees of the bank responsible for his death. They refused to receive his body until action was taken against the bank employees. Police officers promised to pursue criminal charges against the duo after which the protesters agreed to receive the body.