PHAGWARA: In a deeply distressing incident that highlights the dangers of financial exploitation in rural areas, a 40-year-old villager from Garha, near Phillaur died by suicide after allegedly being defrauded of a substantial sum by a private financier. The deceased, identified as Kashmiri Lal(40), reportedly consumed a poisonous substance on Friday afternoon and passed away later at DMC hospital in Ludhiana.
Before taking the extreme step, Kashmiri Lal recorded a video and posted it on social media, in which he alleged that he had been mentally harassed and financially ruined by a financier who promised high returns and a better future. In the video, he claimed that he had been misled into believing he could become wealthy quickly, and in pursuit of that dream, he ended up investing all his savings—amounting to ₹22.75 lakh. He said the financier failed to return the money, leaving him in financial ruin and emotional despair.
Family members rushed him to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC) in Ludhiana after he consumed celphos tablets, a highly toxic pesticide. Despite efforts by doctors, he could not be saved. His death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with many expressing grief and anger over the alleged exploitation.
When contacted, Phillaur Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarwan Singh Bal confirmed the incident. He stated that an autopsy was conducted at the Civil Hospital, following which the body was handed over to the family for last rites. “We have taken note of the video and the allegations made by the deceased. A detailed investigation is underway to ascertain the facts and determine the role of the financier in this tragic case, ” the DSP said.He said that one person has been rounded up by the cops for questioning.
Local sources have revealed that Kashmiri Lal was known to be a hardworking individual and had no prior history of mental illness. His sudden death has sparked concerns about unregulated financial practices and the mental health toll of financial distress, especially among economically vulnerable populations.
Police have assured that the matter will be thoroughly probed, and appropriate legal action will be taken if any wrongdoing is confirmed. As the investigation proceeds, the incident raises important questions about financial literacy, the need for regulatory oversight of informal moneylenders, and the psychological impact of financial fraud.