A 42-year-old man, Malatesh, died by suicide in Rane Bennur, Karnataka, on Sunday night, allegedly due to continuous harassment by microfinance companies. Malatesh, who ran a barber shop, had borrowed ₹6.45 lakh from four microfinance companies. Despite repaying in installments, the harassment led him to take this extreme step.

A case has been registered under Section 108 (abetment of suicide) against the companies. The investigation is ongoing.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar condemned the exploitation by these companies and announced plans for an ordinance to prevent such actions. He assured that the government would take stronger measures to stop the torture of the poor by loan recovery agents. Helplines and further action are being taken to address this issue.