Belagavi: Hotel owner dies by suicide due to severe financial distress
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): A 65-year-old hotel owner allegedly died by suicide at his eatery in this district on Tuesday morning owing to severe financial distress, police said.
The deceased was identified as Ramachandra Shankar Halluri, a resident of Hukkeri town. He had been running 'Hanuman Hotel' near the old bus stand for the past 16 years, they said.
According to police, Halluri had been grappling with sustained business losses over the past four to five years, which had significantly strained his financial condition. It is being learnt that he was under a debt burden of approximately Rs 11 lakh, and was reportedly finding it increasingly difficult to meet routine expenses, including rent and loan repayments.
On Tuesday morning, Halluri is said to have opened his hotel as usual around 6 am. However, he was later found hanging inside the premises.
Police personnel from Hukkeri Police Station rushed to the spot upon receiving information, conducted a preliminary inspection, and shifted the body for post-mortem examination.
Preliminary investigation indicates that the primary reason for the suicide was the financial burden arising from loans taken for the hotel business, a senior police officer said.
The police denied rumours that the suicide was due to disruption in gas cylinder supply affecting the hotel business.
"A filled gas cylinder was available at the hotel and was verified to be functional. It has been confirmed that financial stress due to inability to repay debts was the direct cause," the officer said.
Ruling out suspicion of any foul play, police said neither the family members nor others have expressed any suspicion regarding the death.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
J&K CM Abdullah inaugurates upgraded hospital, key road link during Rajouri visit
Nowshera/Jammu (PTI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday inaugurated a vital upgraded road and a 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his visit to the border belt of Nowshera in Rajouri district, emphasising that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The chief minister received a rousing welcome on his arrival, with people lining both sides of the road, showering flower petals.
Soon after he arrived in Nowshera, Abdullah inaugurated a vital road link from the highway bridge to Nowshera town and the 100-bedded sub-district hospital during his tour of the area.
The visit of the chief minister, along with his cabinet colleagues, marked a major push towards strengthening connectivity and healthcare infrastructure in the region.
The upgraded road project, executed by the PWD department for Rs 7.99 crore, is expected to significantly improve connectivity, streamline traffic movement and reduce travel time for commuters, officials said.
The chief minister also inaugurated the upgraded 100-bedded sub-district hospital, developed at an estimated cost of Rs 18.18 crore. The facility is equipped with modern healthcare infrastructure aimed at enhancing patient care and expanding access to quality medical services for the people of Nowshera and adjoining areas, they said.
During his visit, Abdullah took a detailed tour of the hospital and inspected key sections, including X-ray, ECG and ultrasound rooms, examination rooms, and the blood storage unit. He interacted with doctors, staff and patients, enquiring about the availability and quality of healthcare services.
Addressing a massive public gathering, Abdullah emphasised that public office is a responsibility to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
"Positions of power are not meant for personal comfort but to bring relief to the people and make their lives easier. Our priority is to strengthen schools, hospitals, roads, and address unemployment and poverty," he said.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at boosting connectivity, healthcare and overall socio-economic growth in Rajouri and adjoining areas.
Interacting with the public, he assured that the voices and aspirations of the people of the Pir Panjal region would continue to guide policy decisions and drive responsive governance on the ground.
The chief minister reiterated the government’s commitment to regularising daily wagers and ensuring justice for Anganwadi and ASHA workers through improved wages and stipends.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives, including the provision of free gas cylinders to the poorest households, electricity support and free bus travel for women.
Highlighting recent developmental achievements, he noted that projects like the Nowshera road and hospital, which had remained pending for years, were completed due to the focused efforts of the present government.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said that key infrastructure projects in the region have been realised under the leadership of the chief minister, reaffirming the government's commitment to balanced and equitable development across Jammu and Kashmir.
