Latur farmer takes his own life on birthday as drought grips region

UPDATE - follow-up to India News Live Updates 5 October 2026: Maharashtra farmer dies by suicide in Latur: A 44-year-old farmer died by suicide at his farm in Maharashtra's Latur district on Sunday, which was also his birthday, according to police reports. The man, identified as Vilas Subhash Kurhade, left his home telling family members he was heading to the farm. His body was later discovered hanging from a mango tree on the property. Local police stated that the exact reason behind the extreme step is yet to be ascertained. An Accidental Death Report has been officially registered at the Renapur police station. ## Context Parts of Latur district have been officially declared drought-affected by the Maharashtra government due to poor monsoon rainfall, which places severe financial stress on local farming households.