Apparently peeved over the State government reports, which did not recognise crop failure as reason behind suicides, the BJP activists came in front of the Minister’s vehicle at Nunahandi village in Patnagarh block. He was also shown black flags at Mahulibahali village in Turekela block.
A BJP activist alleged despite six farmer suicides reported from Bolangir, Mr. Maharathy did not bother to seek a report and console the bereaved families. Besides, no concrete step had been taken to put a brake on current suicide spree, they charged. Later, the police arrested four BJP members.
Meanwhile, two more deaths were reported from Kalahandi and Dhenkanal districts on Tuesday. Kunja Hansa of Baijalpur village under Golamunda block of Kalahandi hung himself after realising that he would not be able to reap paddy as per expectation.
Kunja’s family members said loan of Rs.50,000 taken from local SBI branch exerted mental pressure on him and it drove him to take the extreme step. The farmer had grown paddy on 1.5 acres of land.
News of another suicide came from Kamakshyanagar block of Dhenkanal district. A farmer identified as Panaka Purti of Hatisingeda village had taken loan from women self-help group of the same village.
Another farmer attempted suicide in Bolangir district on Tuesday. Loknath Putel of Agalpur village had consumed poison. He was later admitted in the district headquarter hospital of Bolangir in critical condition.
Since September, 67 farmers, as per unofficial estimate, have committed suicide due to alleged crop failure in wake of drought. But the State government put the figure close to 50. Highest number of farmer suicides has been reported from Bargarh district followed by Bolangir.
Sports Minister Sudam Marandi was also shown black flags during his visit to Ganjam district. Protesters were angry over non-completion of Berhampur stadium.