Dharmapuri women's self-help group leader dies by suicide after SHG member swindles Rs 6.55 lakh

DHARMAPURI: The leader of a women’s self-help group (SHG) in Dharmapuri district died by suicide after one of the group members swindled Rs 6.55 lakh meant to be repaid to a bank. The Karimangalam police arrested SHG member Gomathi.Police said K Gracie, 32, of Kundalalli had headed the Mahalakshmi Women’s Self-Help Group for the past eight years which had 10 members.The group obtained a loan of Rs 12 lakh from Canara Bank last year. "A few months ago, the group repaid Rs 6 lakh to the bank. Recently, Gracie gave the remaining Rs 6.55 lakh (including interest) to Gomathi to close the loan," a police officer said. But instead of repaying the amount, Gomathi allegedly swindled it. When Gracie questioned Gomathi, she promised to repay it in two instalments. But she didn’t keep her promise.Other members of the group started asking Gracie about the money. In frustration, Gracie consumed poison at home on Dec 23. Relatives rescued her and got her admitted to Dharmapuri Government Medical College and Hospital. Later, Gracie was taken to a private hospital in Krishnagiri where she died in the early hours of on Monday.The Karimangalam police registered a case.