Distressed farmer commits suicide in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Dharmagarh, Apr 13:

A distressed farmer in Ramachandrapur in Golamunda block under Dharmagarh subdivision in Odisha’s Kalahandi district today succumbed to his alleged suicide attempt in a hospital here.

The deceased farmer identified as Purna Chandra Bhoi had allegedly consumed weedicide on Tuesday following crop loss due to drought.

He was rushed to the government hospital by his family members where he breathed his last while undergoing treatment.

“He had borrowed Rs 50,000 from the local gramya bank for cultivation. He had taken an additional loan of Rs 40,000 from moneylenders by pledging three tolas of gold. He had cultivated paddy on three acres of land which was ruined due to drought. He was under tremendous mental pressure for the last few days over the bleak prospects of repaying loans with a failed crop. He had lost his mental balance and had consumed weedicide in an attempt to commit suicide,” said Mahendra Pradhan, a relative of the deceased farmer.

“Yes, it has come to my notice that a person from Golamunda had consumed poison and has died. His family members claim that he has committed suicide due to crop failure and loan burden. We will inquire into the matter and do whatever is possible within the purview of the law,” said an official of the local administration.