Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 25: Katpady Lorry Owners Association secretary Raghavendra has appealed for euthanasia (mercy killing) for him and his family members, after facing severe problems after District Administration ordered sand ban.

“I just want to end my life. District administration is the main reason for it,” he said in a press meet at Udupi press club on Monday, March 25.

“I am in a very pathetic situation because of unemployment. It is due to the ban on sand mining, which is a source of livelihood for many in the coastal region. Since many months, coastal people are facing burning issue that is sand shortage. Because of CRZ policy on sand extraction activity, many have become jobless,” he lashed out.

Raghavendra wrote a petition seeking mercy killing and submitted his plea to Udupi DC on March 22. “I have struggled a lot and tried to overcome this problem. But day by day the situation is getting worse and I am facing financial issues,” he said.

Raghavendra said he had 4 tippers and 12 workers who were dependent on him. Now he has one tipper and is sitting jobless.

“I have two school going children and I do not have money to get something for them. I fed up with this business and restrictions on sand extraction. I have pledged all my belongings and lost them all,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“I do not have other way to lead my life. People's representatives must look at our situation, before seeking vote,” he lashed out.

“The district administration has created artificial sand shortage. I have borrowed bank loan of Rs 7 lac for tipper and Rs 12 lacs for purchasing land. Hence, I am supposed to pay around Rs 30,000 to bank every month. I have managed to repay loans so far by mortgaging ornaments and survived with the help of friends. But, I do not have capacity to face this situation anymore,” he alleged.

“I do not want to commit suicide, because I did not make any mistake. Robbery, theft is happening because of hunger. For courtesy, DC too did not express any confidence. She told us to find other jobs to feed family. Is this the way an officer should behave? he rued. “DC did not consider my pain. I lost my confidence in leading my family,” he said.

Considering his difficult situation, the district authority should approve permission for mercy killing, Raghavendra urged.

Maralu Horata Samiti Members Satyaraju Birthi, Chandra Pooajry, Samarth and Ansar Ahmed were present.