Mother beaten up over water, son commits suicide

The acute water shortage in Agra took a cruel turn for Suraj, 22, when his mother Shakuntla Devi, 50, was beaten up for a bucket of water. He allegedly committed suicide after failing to arrange for his mother's treatment who is fighting for her life in a hospital.

The incident took place in Sati Nagar when Shakuntla Devi Sunday was attacked with bricks for wanting to fetch water, police said Monday.

Suraj went to a police station to lodge his complaint, but was detained and beaten up, neighbours said.

He took his injured mother to the hospital but failed to get treatment as he could not arrange Rs.1,200 for medical expenses Sunday. He returned home, forced his two young brothers to sleep without eating and hanged himself, the neighbours added.

His neighbours said the suicide was because of the "solid thrashing" he got from the police for trying to complain. They also said he was forced to sign a compromise letter.

Senior Superintendent of Police Shalabh Mathur said it was a very serious matter and that five policemen had been suspended.

The acute water crisis in Agra has led to agitations, protests and fights for every bucket of water.

The general manager of the Agra Water Works, Manju Rani Gupta, and senior officials expressed regret and helplessness over the issue.