An MSRTC bus driver killed himself last week, and his purported suicide note mentioned that he was fed up with his low and irregular salary, and was unable to pay off his debt. Kamlesh Bedse hangedhimself at his house in Sakri, Dhule district, on Friday, and is the third employee to take his life in the past nine months. MSRTC employees have announced state-wide protests and dharnas outside depots today, to demand for their salary and dues.

The announcement follows the death Bedse. The 44-year-old had been posted at Sakri depot of MSRTC since 2007. Officials said Bedse was under stress, as he had taken out a loan from a cooperative bank for MSRTC staff and was unable to repay over Rs 5 lakh.