Lucknow, July 13: In a shocking incident in Uttar Pradesh, a 26-year-old Dalit man allegedly died by suicide after being thrashed and held hostage by two loan sharks. The incident came to light on Wednesday, July 10, after videos of the victim, Kamal Kant, surfaced online. Police officials said that the victim was held hostage for failing to repay INR 4,500.

According to a report in the Times of India, the incident occurred at Dakshini Mohalla in Firozabad. After the incident came to light, the police registered a case against the two loan sharks, who are siblings and on the run. The 26-year-old Dalit man was reportedly subjected to assault and abuse, which led to him taking his life on July 6. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 3 Arrested for Making Dalit Minor Drink Urine in Shravasti District.

During the preliminary investigation, cops learned that Kamal Kant, who lived with his mother, Krishna Devi, lost his father five years ago. They also found that the deceased man used to drive a loading vehicle for Pramod Singh, who is one of the accused. Kant's mother, Krishna Devi, said, said that Singh was demanding INR 60,000 from her son.

However, she said that her son claimed that he only owed INR 4,500. When Kamal failed to repay the money, Singh and his brother Manish began harassing him. She also told cops that the duo would come to their house and threaten her son. The alleged incident took place on July 6 when Singh called Kaml to his house. Uttar Pradesh Shocker: 3 Children Tied to Tree, Gagged With Mangoes, Thrashed for Plucking Fruit From Orchard in Maharajganj (Watch Video).

After reaching Singh's place, Kamal was taken hostage and allegedly tied and assaulted throughout the night. The accused released Kamal the next day after he promised to repay the money. A video that went viral online showed Kamal promising to repay the debt. However, he ended his life by hanging himself after being stressed by the alleged torture.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 080-46110007; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 8322252525.

Men's Helpline Numbers:

Milaap: 9990588768; All India Men Helpline: 9911666498; Men Welfare Trust: 8882498498; Vaastav Foundation: 8424026498.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 13, 2024 08:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).