Saravanan, 28, of Karambai near Vattathikottai, ended his life on Sunday, allegedly due to debt burden.

According to sources, the deceased had taken loan of around ₹2 lakh from private money lenders and was remitting the interest portion of the loan. On Sunday night, the money lenders called on Saravanan at his home and informed him that the interest portion had accrued to ₹10 lakh. In case if it was not possible for Saravanan to repay the loan with interest, he should part with his lathe unit, they demanded.

Aggrieved by the money lenders’ demand, Saravanan allegedly attempted to end his life. However, he was rushed to the Government Hospital in Pattukottai where he was declared dead on arrival.

On Monday, Saravanan’s wife, Karthika, 26, and other relatives, staged a demonstration at the hospital demanding action against the money lenders. They withdrew the protest after the Vattathikottai police, who have registered a case, assured them that the culprits would be brought to book, sources said.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050 and Speak2Us mental health helpline 9375493754)