Auto Driver Dies By Suicide After Forcing Wife To Consume Poison Due To Debt Harassment In UP

Further investigation is in progress. (Representational)

Mathura:

Police reported on Thursday that a 38-year-old auto rickshaw driver allegedly compelled his wife to ingest poison before consuming the toxic substance himself, due to alleged harassment over an unpaid debt.

The auto driver, identified as Yogesh, passed away during medical treatment, while his 35-year-old wife Renu survived, according to authorities.

Refinery police station SHO Ajay Verma stated that Yogesh, originally from Mahavatpur village in Hathras, was residing with his wife and their four children in Radha Vihar Colony in Mathura.

The victim had secured an auto rickshaw for his younger brother after obtaining a loan from an unidentified individual. Unfortunately, both brothers failed to repay the debt on schedule, explained the SHO.

On Tuesday, the lender allegedly confronted Yogesh, verbally abused him, and physically assaulted him regarding the outstanding debt, the SHO reported.

"Overcome with distress and anger, Yogesh returned to his home and informed his wife about the confrontation, expressing his intention to end his life. Despite her attempts to dissuade him, he allegedly threatened her, forcing her to consume poison-laced water before ingesting it himself," detailed the SHO.

Neighbors rushed the couple to a nearby medical facility. Yogesh was subsequently transferred to a hospital in Agra, where he succumbed during treatment on Wednesday, according to police.

SHO Verma confirmed that Renu, who was admitted to the district hospital in Mathura, survived the incident and is no longer in danger.

Police stated that Yogesh's remains were released to his family following a postmortem examination on Thursday.

The SHO indicated that an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the individual accused of harassing the auto driver and allegedly abetting the suicide.