Hyderabad: A Telangana movement activist died by suicide in Jangaon district after facing financial distress and mounting debts, according to a complaint filed by his wife. Vemula Lakshman Goud, 40, from Konne village in Bachannapet mandal, was found hanging from a tree at an agricultural field on Monday.
Lakshman Goud also served as a director of the Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society (PACS). He owned four acres of farmland and cultivated another six acres on lease.
According to his family and police, he had accumulated debts during the Telangana movement. Recent crop losses further worsened his financial condition. Moreover, relatives and private financiers had reportedly increased pressure on him to repay the loans.
His wife, Swapna, told police that mounting debt and financial pressure drove him to take the extreme step. The Telangana movement activist had struggled to repay loans taken for earlier commitments and farming expenses.
Telangana movement activist left a note on his phone
Before his death, Lakshman Goud wrote a note on his mobile phone expressing anguish over his life after the Telangana movement. He wrote, “My father worked hard to educate me, but I ruined my life by participating in the movement. Even after the formation of the State, the lives of activists have not changed.”
He also apologised to his wife and two children in the note.
Lakshman Goud had joined the youth wing of the TRS, now BRS, during his student days. Later, he served as the district youth wing general secretary.
After learning about the incident, Jangaon MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy visited the bereaved family. He assured them of his support.
The death of a person who had actively participated in the Telangana statehood movement shocked residents of the village. Meanwhile, police registered a case and began an investigation.