Indian farmer who bought flight tickets for workers during Covid lockdown dies by suicide

A 55-year-old mushroom farmer, who gained praises for buying flight tickets for his workers to send them home during the Covid-19-induced lockdown in India in 2020, was found dead on Tuesday.

Pappan Singh Gehlot allegedly died by suicide in a temple in capital Delhi’s Tigipur village. His body was reportedly spotted by the priest, who alerted the police.

Officials have also recovered a note from the deceased, where he talked about an illness.

“We received a call around 5pm about the incident at a Shiv temple. We reached the spot and found Pappan’s body. His house is opposite the temple and he would visit there every day to offer prayers,” Brijendra Yadav, deputy commissioner of police, told The Indian Express.

Following an intial probe, the police have ruled out foul play and are prima facie treating the incident as a case of suicide.

His body was shifted to a local hospital for an autopsy. Gehlot is survived by his wife and a daughter.

During the nationwide lockdown in 2020, Gehlot had bought tickets worth Rs 68,000 (£721) for his 10 employees to send them back to their home in the eastern state of Bihar.

He had also provided additional monetary support to the workers and bought them return tickets once the lockdown was lifted.

As construction sites, offices and factories closed to contain the spread of Covid-19 in 2020, those who had historically flocked to India’s metropolises looking for unskilled work were fleeing en masse.

The suspension of all public transport meant they were attempting to make the journey back to their villages on foot - hundreds of miles in many cases, and in soaring temperatures.

Dozens died on the road, and images of the crowds making their way along deserted highways with bags held over their heads sparked outrage and dominated the headlines across the country.

Gehlot’s act of kindness at such a time won the hearts of millions across India.

“They [his workers] were stuck in Delhi for two months and I couldn’t find any other way to respectfully send them home,” Gehlot had told Mirror Now in an interview at that time.

“The employees became very emotional while leaving, they didn’t even think of getting on a flight in their life.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.