Karnataka Speaker UT Khader vows justice in MCC Bank suicide case after family visit

Mangaluru: Karnataka Assembly Speaker UT Khader visited the residence of the late Manohar Pereira, offering his condolences to the grieving family. Pereira’s tragic death by suicide on December 17, 2024, has shocked the community and spurred calls for justice.

Khader assured the family of a comprehensive and impartial investigation, promising strict action against those responsible for the incident. He expressed solidarity with the family, acknowledging their loss and the need for systemic accountability.

The Tragic Incident

Manohar Pereira, a 47-year-old resident of Ulaiyibettu village, recorded a video before his death in which he accused MCC Bank Chairman Anil Lobo of misappropriating ₹9 lakh. In the video, Pereira held Lobo directly responsible for the financial distress that drove him to take his own life.

Following the incident, an FIR was registered at the Mangaluru Rural Police Station on December 18, 2024, and Anil Lobo was arrested on charges of abetment to suicide under Section 108 of the BNS.

Community Outrage

The incident has ignited widespread outrage across the community. Hundreds of residents have signed a petition addressed to Assembly Speaker UT Khader, the Chief Minister, the Home Minister, the District Commissioner, and the Police Commissioner.

During his visit, Khader also met with other MCC Bank customers who shared their accounts of alleged exploitation and financial misconduct by Anil Lobo. Customers described how Lobo’s alleged fraudulent practices targeted vulnerable individuals, leading to severe financial and emotional hardships.

Demands for Justice

The grieving family and the community are demanding more than routine legal action—they want accountability and stringent measures to prevent similar incidents. Residents have called for stronger safeguards against financial exploitation and justice for the victims.

A Call for Accountability

The tragic death of Manohar Pereira highlights the dire consequences of financial mismanagement and exploitation. The case has become a rallying point for systemic reforms to protect vulnerable individuals from similar fates.

As the investigation progresses, the community hopes for swift and decisive action to bring the perpetrators to justice and restore faith in institutional accountability.