Odisha CPI(M) leaders demanded ₹10 lakh compensation for the family of a farmer who allegedly committed suicide due to crop loss and loan burden at Hatibadi village of Digapahandi block in Ganjam district.
Ramchandra Pradhan (50) consumed pesticide on September 9 and died at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur on September 11.
His wife Damayanti Pradhan alleged that he was overburdened by the loans he had taken from cooperative and private sources. His woes multiplied after his crops were damaged by pests.
Ganjam district secretary of CPI(M) Kailash Sarangi alleged that the ruling Biju Janata Dal had joined hands with the local BJP leaders to suppress the farmer’s “suicide”. “On September 11, a group of BJP activists, along with the deceased’s family members, brought the body to the Digapahandi tehsil office and staged a demonstration. They ended their demonstration when the tehsildar promised ₹5,000 from Red Cross funds for the funeral,” said Mr. Sarangi.
