Farm worker commits suicide

Abu Dhabi — Financial problems forced a young man to take his life at a farm in Al Dhaid last week. Shareef Hamza, 28, was found hanging in the washroom of the farm where he worked for.

“He was under tremendous financial pressure. He was drawing a monthly salary of just Dh800, but had a lot of liabilities. His sister had been hospitalised back home in Pakistan and he had to take care of her in addition to his mother, wife and three children. He could not manage everything,” said M.B. Baloch, a co-worker.

When contacted, Al Dhaid Police refused to release details but said an investigation was underway.

“I found him dead in the washroom,” said his friend, Mohammed. He said Hamza had lot of responsibilities back home. “He had borrowed Rs20,000 for his sister’s treatment just a day before he committed suicide. He took his life after talking to his wife for over half an hour,” he added.

Another friend, Jumma, said Hamza had been borrowing money from friends.

“He is from a poor family in Gehbun in Turbat, Balochistan. He was the sole earning member of a large family. This is a sad end for a young energetic man. Most of the people he borrowed money from have said they wouldn’t ask his family to return the money. Instead, his friends are in the process of collecrting money for his family,” said Jumma. He was laid to rest on Wednesday in Al Dhaid.

nissar@khaleejtimes.com