Pune: Maharashtra's Health Minister Tanaji Sawant urged young people to persist in their struggles and not resort to suicide. This call to action came during his visit to the family of Prasad Bhagwat Dethe, a young man who took his own life over the Maratha reservation issue.

Sawant provided immediate financial aid of ₹5 lakh to Dethe's family and committed to supporting the education of his children.

Prasad Bhagwat Dethe, originally from Barshi and residing in Wagholi, ended his life by hanging himself on Wednesday to protest for Maratha reservation.

During his visit to the grieving family, Sawant emphasized the need for perseverance in the ongoing reservation struggle. "Many have taken their lives for this cause, but their families are left behind, exposed to hardships. We must continue the fight patiently until the end. Suicides will not bring an immediate solution," he stated.

Dethe's wife and children expressed their hope that his sacrifice would not be in vain, highlighting his despair over the lack of progress on the reservation issue.

They shared that while his actions were driven by hopelessness, it was not the right path. The visit saw the presence of notable figures including former District Council member Ramdas Dabhade and Senior Police Inspector Sawalaram Salgaonkar.

Minister Sawant was visibly emotional while speaking with Dethe's family, unable to hold back his tears. He repeatedly implored others not to take such drastic measures and assured the family that he would advocate for government assistance. "Students should not get entangled in the reservation confusion but should move forward with determination," he urged.

Representatives of the Maratha community presented a memorandum to Minister Sawant, requesting his efforts to secure government aid for the family. They voiced their support with slogans, emphasizing the unity and strength of the Maratha community cause.