A 65-year-old hotel owner in Hukkeri town of Belagavi district allegedly died by suicide at his eatery, with police attributing the incident to severe financial distress and mounting debt.
The deceased, identified as Ramachandra Shankar Halluri, had been running Hanuman Hotel near the old bus stand for over 16 years. On Tuesday morning, he reportedly opened the hotel as usual around 6 am.
He was later found hanging inside the premises. Police from Hukkeri station rushed to the spot, conducted an initial inspection, and shifted the body for post-mortem.
According to police, Halluri had been facing continuous business losses for the past four to five years, which had weakened his financial condition significantly.
He was reportedly under a debt burden of around ₹11 lakh and was struggling to manage daily expenses, including rent and loan repayments.
While dismissing claims that LPG shortage alone led to the incident, officials acknowledged that rising commercial LPG costs and supply challenges had added to his financial strain.
Police confirmed that a functional gas cylinder was present at the hotel, clarifying that the primary reason behind the suicide was debt-related stress rather than immediate fuel unavailability.
Authorities have registered a case and initiated further investigation to establish all circumstances leading to the incident.
The tragedy highlights the financial vulnerability of small business owners, particularly in the hospitality sector, who are grappling with rising input costs and fluctuating revenues.
Experts stress the need for better financial support systems and awareness around mental health for individuals facing economic hardships.
If you or someone you know is struggling, seeking support and speaking to a trusted person or professional can make a difference.