“We lost two members of our family in a span of less than six months,” said Bimla Devi*, sitting on a stool, wiping off her tears with her chunni. An old refrigerator and two charpoys sat in the dark room at the back of the house which seemed to be the family’s only possessions.
Bimla’s husband Naresh Ahlawat*, 48, was found dead on the railway tracks on the outskirts of Bhambhewa village in Rohtak on November 25 last year. His death came as another blow to the family which was already dealing with the untimely death of Naresh’s father a few weeks ago.
Naresh’s body was discovered by a fellow villager in the morning. It is still not clear if he died in an accident or ended his life.
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Flooded fields
Naresh had suddenly turned aloof a week before his death, said his family. He had left his house to stay in the fields. A small farmer, with just over two hectares of land, he had an outstanding bank loan of ₹5 lakh. He was stressed, the family said.
His own land remained flooded almost every year since the village is located in a low-lying area, and he had to take land on lease to make both ends meet. “Last year, the crop on the leased land was destroyed by pests. He had taken the loan several years ago, but was not able to return a single penny,” said Naresh’s daughter-in-law Kamla*. Naresh briefly worked as a chowkidar at a township, but the earnings were not enough, she added.
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Financial stress
His death has left the family financially stressed more than ever before. Bimla recalled how they had to borrow ₹1 lakh from their relatives to perform the last rites of her husband and partially pay ₹96,000 outstanding electricity bill.
The family of five, including Naresh’s two grandchildren, survives on a meagre income of over ₹5,000 made by selling milk. While Bimla works as a farm labour, her son works as a driver.
Bhumi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti leader Shamsher Singh, who has been fighting for justice to the family, said they ran from pillar to post seeking financial help, but none came their way. The Sub-Divisional Magistrate is yet to conduct probe into the matter. “We had demanded ₹50 lakh compensation, a government job to one of the family members and the loan waiver. Naresh’s brother is a BJP worker but their grievances have still not been heard,” said Mr. Singh. He said flooding in Rohtak was a perennial problem, but successive governments had done little to check it.
The farmer leader pointed out how failure of crops and mounting debts had forced several farmers in the State to take the extreme step. Just a week before Naresh’s death, a fellow villager, Rajesh* Ahlawat, was also found dead on the railway tracks in a similar fashion.
“The farmers suffer also because of lack of unity. They remain divided over castes and political affiliations. They need to stand united for the larger cause of betterment of farmers, if they want to see any change in their situation,” said comrade Hans Raj Rana, a Samiti member.
(*All names have been changed)
Suicide prevention helpline: Sanjivini, Society for Mental Health, 011-4076 9002, Monday to Saturday (10 a.m.-7.30 p.m.)