Tamil Nadu: Mounting debts drive businessman to jump into Adyar river

Chennai: Allegedly depressed over his mounting debts, a 50-year-old businessman jumped into Adyar river from Kotturpuram bridge on Friday evening. Search operations are underway to rescue him, police sources said.

The man has been identified as Mohan Kumar, a businessman and a resident of Lotus colony in Nandanam.

Police sources said that the incident happened around 5 pm. Mohan Kumar was found walking on the pavement for about half-an-hour before he jumped into river by climbing over the parapet wall.

Mohan Kumar reportedly handed over his mobile phone and wallet to a friend who met him on the bridge and enquired about him being there. 

The man then immediately alerted the passerby and informed the fire and rescue services personnel who rushed to the scene. 

“The TNFRS personnel went in boats looking for the man, but couldn’t find him,” a police officer said. 

Police investigations revealed that Mohan Kumar was upset as he couldn’t repay the loans he got and those who lent him knocked on his doors. 

Search operations were called off after it became dark and are expected to continue on Saturday, police said. 

In March this year, a transgender Muruga alias Suji jumped to death from the same spot.