An elderly farmer allegedly attempted suicide by consuming poison here on Saturday and later submitted a memorandum to district in-charge Minister M. Krishnappa, seeking his intervention in getting compensation for a piece of his land that was acquired for canal works.
The farmer, Appaji, 60, of Ankanapura, Maddur taluk, of the district, was rushed to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) hospital. The police said no one knew where he had consumed poison. He collapsed outside Sri Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar Kala Mandir after meeting Mr. Krishnappa, Housing Minister, who was participating in the Basava Jayanti celebrations.
Waiting for compensation
A piece of his land that had mango trees was acquired for canal constriction work a few years ago. While ₹1.5 lakh compensation was given, he was being pestered to submit one or the other document before he could receive the remaining amount of ₹2.5 lakh. According to his family, in spite of submitting a series of memorandums, no officials or departments bothered to respond. Hence, he came to meet Mr. Krishnappa.
While leaving the place, the farmer told some policemen and presspersons that he had consumed poison. He expressed unhappiness over the alleged lethargic attitude of officials at the Cauvery Neeravri Nigam Ltd. (CNNL) and other departments and agencies concerned. Before the police could summon the ambulance stationed near the programme venue, he collapsed.
This incident left Mr. Krishnappa and a host of officials of various departments shocked. Later, Mr. Krishnappa visited the hospital and assured Appaji of taking measures to address the issue.
