Rajakumari, Idukki: A farmer shot himself to death over acute debts at Rajakumari in Kerala's Idukki district. Santhosh of Estate Poopara is the 11th farmer to commit suicide due to debts in Idukki this year.

The 46-year-old was found dead with gunshot wounds at his house near Estate Poopara around 4pm on Monday.

Santhosh, who had grievously injured his spine after falling from the tree, was unable to go for work. The depression over joblessness and acute debts forced him to take the extreme step, his relatives said.

Santhosh had shot himself using a country gun, the cops at Santhanpara police station concluded after a preliminary investigation.

Santhosh was alone at the house during the incident. His wife Rajani and son Arjun were at a farm near to the house. On hearing the gunshot, the duo ran to the house and found Santhosh with injuries to his head and neck. Though he was rushed to a private hospital at Rajakumari, his life could not be saved. His right eye and neck had suffered serious injuries.

The forensic experts would conduct checks at the house on Tuesday. As per the preliminary investigation of the police, there is no licence for the gun.

Santhosh had fallen from the tree a month ago, causing serious injuries to his spine. He had taken Rs 3 lakh from the people of his village for the treatment, the relatives said. He had also taken a loan of Rs 4 lakh from the Idukki district cooperative bank. Santhosh owned 23 cents of agricultural land. He also has one daughter Archana.