Latur: The ongoing Maratha reservation controversy in Maharashtra has taken a tragic turn after a 35-year-old man from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) allegedly ended his life in Latur district’s Vangdari village. The deceased, belonging to the Vanjari community, reportedly left behind a suicide note expressing despair over the government’s recent decision to issue Kunbi certificates to Marathas.
According to Latur Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe, the man went to the Manjra river on Thursday evening (Sept. 11) and allegedly jumped in after removing his clothes. “We have registered a case of accidental death, but investigation is underway. A note has been recovered from his clothes, and we are verifying if it is in his handwriting. The sequence of events, including the removal of his clothes before jumping, raises suspicion and requires thorough probe,” Tambe said.
The suicide note, accessed by The Hindu, reportedly mentions that the government had deceived the OBC community through its September 2 Government Resolution (GR), which directed authorities to issue Kunbi caste certificates to Marathas. “You have deceived the OBC community by issuing a GR against our community. I hope my community will get justice after my death,” the note allegedly stated.
Local OBC leaders confirmed that the man, who is survived by his widow, three daughters, and a son, had been deeply worried about his children’s future after the GR. Padmakar Waghmare, city chief of Samata Parishad in Latur, said, “He was in shock over the government’s decision. He feared the consequences for his children’s prospects and ended his life.”
The incident has triggered demands for immediate government intervention. Community leaders are seeking financial aid and employment for the widow. Maharashtra minister and OBC leader Chhagan Bhujbal has announced that he will visit Renapur on Friday to meet the grieving family.
