Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Oct 25: Ban on sand extraction that has been in force in the district since the last three months has resulted in loss of income for many families. Those who entirely relied on this industry for eking out a living are in dire straits.

Umesh Marakala (35) from Sastana Kody in the taluk, committed suicide on the night of Sunday October 23. He was working as sand loader for a couple of transport companies. Lack of job had pushed him to the brink of insolvency, it is said. He ended his life by hanging himself from the roof beam.

Umesh was earlier been earning about Rs 1,000 everyday. Having been buoyed by the prospects of increasing income, he had recently built a new home by raising loans as he was confident of repaying them gradually out of income earned everyday. As sand extraction came to an abrupt end because of the ban, his source of income had dried up and he was desperate for some sort of work.

He was facing the need to meet his family expenses and repay loans raised, without any matching income. A case about his suicide was registered in Kota police station. He is survived by wife and two small children.