Sundargarh: A 45-year-old ginger farmer ended his life by consuming pesticides at Kuanrkela village under Hemgir block in Sundargarh district Monday night. He was identified as Manoj Singh. He took the extreme step due to crop loss and debt-burden, family members claimed.
He consumed pesticides Monday evening. Family members rescued and admitted him to Hemgir government hospital. However, he died mid-way to the hospital. Police seized the body at night and sent it for post-mortem to Sundargarh district headquarters hospital.
A case of unnatural death has been registered and a probe is on, police said.
Meanwhile, Hemgir tehsildar Lalat Luha, BDO Pradeep Danga, Sundargarh district special Adivasi Bikash Parishad viceperson Kusum Tete and Hemgir IIC C Subudhi Tuesday morning visited the family members and launched a probe.
According to reports, Manoj had taken a loan of Rs 53,625 from Luabahal-based LAMPS (Large Area Adivasi Multipurpose Co-operative Society). He had also taken loans from two micro-finance companies. He had cultivated paddy and ginger in the current year.
Although he paid back the interest money time to time, he was still under debt to the tune of Rs 41,262. “We are investigating the reason of his extreme step,” the officials said.
On the other hand, many BJP members claimed Manoj had ended his life due to crop loss and debt burden. They visited the family and expressed their sorrow.
Farmer dies on seeing destroyed crops
Kendrapara: A farmer in Ameipala village under Mahakalapara block in Kendrapara district died over crop loss due to low-pressure triggered rainfall Tuesday. The deceased was identified as Narayan Behera (65) in the village.
He had cultivated paddy on seven acres but the low-pressure triggered rainfall destroyed his crops after his farmland was submerged under knee-deep water.
He was taking a look at his destroyed crops when he collapsed on the spot and was rendered unconscious. Family members rushed him to the district headquarters hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.
While locals claimed he committed suicide, residents plunged into mourning over his death.
