Sirsi (ENS): A 57-year-old debt-ridden farmer allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at Hebbatti village near Banavasi in Sirsi taluk on Saturday morning.

According to the police, Basavaraj Shettar slept at his home along with family members on Friday night. On Saturday morning, his family members noticed frothing at his mouth and a poison bottle near him.

The family members said Shettar had taken loans to the tune of Rs 2 lakh from various banks and cooperative societies. Due to drought, he failed to get good yield from his two-acre paddy field. Recently, Kalangi Cooperative Society has sent him a notice to repay the loan. Sources said for the last two years, there were no crops on his paddy field due to drought.

He had taken loans from many people and banks. He is survived by his unmarried daughters. A case has been registered at Banavasi police station.