Debt-ridden Antop Hill goldsmith kills self

Vasudevan Acharya, 41, a goldsmith from Antop Hill, allegedly committed suicide by consuming chemicals at his shop on Monday, as he was unable to repay debts of over Rs30 lakh.

He had borrowed the money to revive his business. Police sources said his creditors visited his shop on Monday morning and threatened him with dire consequences.

Acharya’s brother Indresh was outside the shop when the incident took place. He saw Acharya collapsing on the floor. He rushed him to Sion Hospital, where he was declared dead. The initial probe revealed that Acharya consumed the chemicals used in making ornaments.

Acharya was under debts for three years, as his business was not doing well. He reportedly had to sell off his house and even take loans from banks and other financial institutions. But he could not revive his business.

Acharya’s friend said he used to make ornaments for customers on the basis of orders. He would keep the ornament with him for a few years, as the client paid the amount in monthly installments decided as per old rates. This affected his business adversely.

“We are investigating the death from all angles,” said inspector V Kamble of the Antop Hill police station.