A bookstore owner and real estate businessman, Sampath Dandagi, allegedly died by suicide on 10 July at his residence in Karemma Kallu Layout, Gadag, Karnataka, after reportedly enduring relentless harassment from moneylenders over a ₹15 lakh loan. Before his death, Dandagi recorded a video statement and left behind a detailed written note, both of which allegedly name the lenders as the reason he chose to end his life, according to police.

What the Video and Death Note Reveal

In the video recorded before his death, Sampath Dandagi said he was acting out of extreme frustration and mental agony. 'I am recording this video with immense frustration. No one should ever help others beyond their capacity. I am losing my life because I chose to help people in need,' he said. He added that people around him had begun valuing status, property, and gold over human relationships, and that he was ending his life after enduring unbearable suffering, including the alleged harassment by moneylenders.

The Loan and the Alleged Harassment

According to preliminary information cited by police, Dandagi had borrowed ₹15 lakh and was reportedly paying approximately ₹56,000 per month as interest. When he missed a single month's payment, the lenders allegedly began a campaign of threats and frequent phone calls. The family had reportedly offered to repay the principal in instalments and requested that interest charges be stopped, but the harassment allegedly intensified instead.

His family has named Ravi Shivanagutti, Shashi Shivanagutti, and Dharma Gouda Kari Gouda as those responsible for the threats. Dandagi's wife alleged that Kari Gouda called her husband daily with threats, while Ravi Shivanagutti sent messages threatening to present a cheque. 'They repeatedly took my husband away and harassed him. He has left behind me and our three young children. I do not know how I will take care of them now,' she said.

Family's Account of His Final Hours

Dandagi's mother, Geetha, said he had called his daughter shortly before his death, expressing fear that the lenders would continue to trouble the family if he remained alive. 'He told her that if he stayed alive, they would come home and trouble everyone. He felt that if he was gone, at least the family could live peacefully,' she said. The family stated that Dandagi had taken the loan alongside friends to expand his business, and that financial losses had made repayment difficult.

Spotlight on Gadag's Illegal Lending Network

The incident has renewed scrutiny of what residents describe as an entrenched illegal high-interest lending racket operating across the Gadag-Betageri twin cities. Police have previously initiated action against such moneylenders and identified several individuals for externment from the district, yet residents allege the network continues to function. Police have registered a case and are currently examining the video recording, the death note, and other evidence left by the deceased.

As the investigation continues, the case is likely to intensify pressure on authorities to act decisively against unregulated lending operations in the region.