Dalit man driven to suicide after torture by loan sharks

Firozabad: Kamal Kant, a 26-year-old Dalit man, tragically ended his life after allegedly being brutally thrashed and held hostage by two loan sharks over an unpaid debt of Rs 4,500. The distressing incident occurred in Dakshini Mohalla, Firozabad, and has led to a police case being registered against the accused siblings, who are currently on the run.

The harrowing details of Kamal’s ordeal came to light on Wednesday when videos surfaced showing him being held captive and beaten. By Thursday, authorities had filed charges against three individuals and initiated a search operation to apprehend them, according to TOI.

Kamal Kant, who lost his father five years ago, lived with his mother, Krishna Devi. He earned his livelihood by driving a loading vehicle for Pramod Singh, one of the accused.

Krishna Devi recounted the torment her son endured, stating, "Pramod was demanding Rs 60,000 from my son, but Kamal claimed he only owed Rs 4,500. When he failed to repay the amount, Pramod and his brother Manish began harassing him. They often came to our house to threaten my son."

The situation escalated on July 6 when Pramod summoned Kamal to his house. Kamal was taken hostage, tied up, and subjected to severe beatings throughout the night. He was released the following day after being coerced into promising to repay the debt. In a video that surfaced, Kamal can be heard pleading, "I will borrow money to pay you back," only to be met with further abuse and a kick to the head.