A woman committed suicide by jumping into a well in Kakati on Wednesday (Jan 22), reportedly distressed over a loan scam. The incident marks the first reported death related to loan fraud in the district.

The deceased has been identified as Saroja Kirbi (52), a resident of Shirur village in Hukkeri taluk.

Saroja had taken a loan through a finance scheme, lured by the promise of subsidies. She lent the money to Holeppa Daddi of Yamanapur village, who had assured her that he would repay the loan, including interest, over two years. Saroja provided her personal documents to secure the loan, half of which she gave to Holeppa, trusting his promise to repay all installments.

According to her son, Holeppa repaid a few installments initially but later defaulted, leaving Saroja to bear the financial burden. Distraught over this betrayal, she took the extreme step.

The Kakati police have registered a case and are investigating the matter.

It has also come to light that Holeppa Daddi allegedly defrauded over 7,000 women in Belagavi taluk and neighboring villages by convincing them to take loans. Reports suggest a total fraud amounting to ₹19 crore. A complaint regarding the scam has already been registered.