Man commits suicide on quota reservation issue in Gujarat

The suicide note stated that more Patel youths would end their lives if reservation was not granted

Demanding reservation for his community, a 36-year-old man belonging to the Patel community allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at a private guest house in Dhoraji town of the district, police said today.

Prakash Shaani (36), a farmer and native of Moti Paneli village near Dhoraji town, was found lying on the bed of his rented room when the guest house manager knocked the door to wake him up last night, police said.

"When we reached the guest house after receiving information from the manager, we found Prakash lying unconscious. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced brought dead," said Police Sub Inspector of Dhoraji J R Rana, adding that Shaani died after consuming some poisonous substance.
 

Upon searching the room, police have also found a four-page suicide note, in which, Shaani claimed that he was sacrificing his life for the ongoing agitation by Patel community demanding reservation under OBC quota.

"We have found a suicide note near his bed. He addressed it to Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) convener of Saurashtra region, Lalit Vasoya, who is a distant relative of Shanni. In the suicide note, Shaani indicated that he was ending his life for the ongoing agitation for reservation," added Rana.

Following the suicide, PAAS has given a call for Dhoraji bandh. "Most of the shops remained closed and there was no untoward incident," police added.

In the suicide note, which was shared by PAAS with media, Shaani stated that more Patel youths will end their lives if reservation was not granted.

"I am giving my sacrifice to wake up the government, which is still in deep sleep. I want to tell them that if reservation is not given, more Patel youths will end their lives. I urge Vasoya to fight till last breath for reservation and do not hesitate to give your life for that cause," stated the suicide note.

Shaani, who was a farmer, also mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's name in the suicide note and accused government of ignoring the plight of farmers.

"We helped Modi in arranging people for a rally when he visited Paneli village when he was not even the CM. But, 'Saheb' has forgotten us today, as farmers are waiting for crop insurance since last four years. Patels are broke financially," stated Shaani in his note.