Unable to pay home loan, youth kills self in Ghatlodia

Loan agent had bought a house last year and was unable to pay instalments due to lockdown, pushing him into depression

With every loan he would help others procure to get their dream home, Jatin Shah prayed that he would enjoy the same good fortune someday. A year ago, he finally experienced the pride of owning his own apartment in Ghatlodia. But his dream came crashing down during lockdown, when the 28-year-old could no longer earn the money to pay his instalments. Fear of losing his house finally drove the loan agent to take his own life, leaving behind his grieving parents.

Jatin, a resident of Sargam Apartment, used to work as a loan agent for private banks where he would facilitate loans for individuals and earn a commission on the loans sanctioned, said Ghatlodia police.

His family comprised his aged parents and two sisters who are married. Around a year back, Jatin took out a loan to purchase the Ghatlodia house and moved in with his mother and father.

“He used to pay monthly instalment of around Rs 17,000. However, ever since the lockdown, he could not earn any money and was worried about how he would manage the household expenses and repay the loan,” said police, adding: “According to his parents, he had been telling his mother the past few days that he had been feeling depressed about being unable to pay the home loan instalments.

His mother also told us that they had not even been paid the light bill for the past four months. Jatin was under constant pressure and tension due to this. Finally, on Monday morning, he hanged himself at his residence.”

The police said, “We have not received anything regarding harassment by money lenders.” Ghatlodia head constable Shailesh Dalsangbhai said, “An accidental death report has been filed and further investigation is going on.”