An MSRTC mechanic killed himself on Wednesday, taking the number of staffers who have ended their lives in the past 18 months due to financial distress to 27. The employee was posted at Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s Pandharpur depot. The mismanaged organisation, with one of India’s largest bus fleets, has repeatedly delayed salaries, leaving staffers saddled with loans.

The first such suicide was on March 7, 2020, and the latest one is 27th in the line. Suicide is not the solution and it destroys families. This is not a political statement but I am saying it out of concern. Transport minister Anil Parab is holding the dual charge of the ministry and the chairmanship of the transport corporation. If he is unable to give time, I suggest he should hand over the mantle to someone else who would be able to devote more time and attention,” said Srirang Barge, general secretary of Maharashtra ST Karmachari Congress.