Yogesh K Porwar
A 45-year-old farmer allegedly attempted suicide by climbing a 400 KV high-tension power transmission tower in B.K.Halli village of Nagalamadike hobli in Pavagada taluk on Wednesday,reportedly due to mounting debt.
The farmer,identified as Gopalappa,is said to have been under severe financial stress.
According to sources,he had borrowed around Rs.6 lakh last year to drill a borewell and had subsequently taken additional loans for his children’s marriage and unable to repay.
Unable to cope with alleged harassment from moneylenders,Gopalappa reportedly consumed alcohol and climbed a 400 KV solar power transmission tower located on the outskirts of the village,threatening to end his life.
Local residents working in nearby fields noticed him atop the high-tension tower and immediately alerted the police and fire services.
On receiving information,Tirumani police and personnel from the Pavagada Fire and Emergency Services rushed to the spot.
After sustained efforts,officials counselled him and safely rescued him from a height of nearly 120 feet using harness belts and ropes.
He was later brought down safely and provided assistance.Further inquiry is underway.
