Dalit farmer allegedly crushed under tractor by loan recovery agents in UP’s Sitapur

A Dalit farmer in Uttar Pradesh was allegedly crushed to death under a tractor by a loan recovery agents for failing to deposit arrears.

The incident took place in Bhauri village of Sitapur district on Saturday.

Gyan Chandra had taken Rs 5 lakh loan to purchase a tractor in 2015 and had paid back Rs 4 lakh to the finance company. However, he had assured to pay the remaining amount, reported Hindustan Times.

According to family, Chandra told the agents that he will pay Rs 65,000 by January-end since he had already deposited Rs 35,000 in the first week.

However, the agents who had gone to him home to collect the dues rushed to the field of a panchayat member after they were told that he was there. The agents told Chandra to pay the due amount or hand over the tractor.

According to Chandra's brother, the agents refused to entertain his plea and snatched the tractor's key. Chandra held on to the tractor’s bonnet but they started the vehicle, dragging him along when he came under the wheels and died on the spot.

The police have assured the villagers to take action against the culprits.