A man in Latur district, Maharashtra, died by suicide on Tuesday, according to police reports. Sunil Vinayak Birajdar was found in a well at Sumthana village in Shirur Anantpal tehsil around 3 p.m.
The death occurred amid a hunger strike by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange. Villagers claim that Birajdar left a note stating that he was ending his life for the cause of Maratha reservation.
Family members and villagers placed Birajdar’s body on the Udgir‑Latur road at about 7 p.m., causing a traffic stand‑still. Protesters blocked the road and continued their demonstration late into the night, refusing to move the body or conduct last rites until their demands were met.
The protesters are demanding a written assurance that a family member will receive a government job, and a written decision on issuing Kunbi caste certificates to Maratha community members. Police and administrative officials are in talks with the demonstrators to address the demands and resolve the situation.
