Two more farmers commit suicide in MP, toll touches 17

BHOPAL: Two farmers allegedly committed suicide in Madhya Pradesh — the state hit by violent protests by farmers over falling crop prices and ballooning debts — officials said on Tuesday.

According to officials, 40-yearold Babulal Verma from Hoshangabad district died at Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital early on Tuesday after he attempted selfimmolation last Thursday and 65-year-old Laxmi Gomasta killed himself in Narsinghpur district after consuming sulphas tablets on Monday night.

The total number of farmer suicides in the central state has now risen to 17 since the protests started on June 6 in Mandsaur by farmers, who have been demanding loan waivers and better prices for their produce.

Sources said Verma owned half an acre and had taken a loan of ₹7 lakh. The moneylenders were pressuring him to repay the loans, which forced him to take the extreme step. He poured kerosene and set himself on fire. He was referred to Bhopal for treatment on Thursday night, but he succumbed to his injuries around 3am on Tuesday.

Hoshangabad’s sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP), SN Chaudhary, said a case of death was being registered. “We are awaiting the details from Bhopal. We will investigate why he committed suicide,” Chaudhary said.

Local sources in Narsinghpur said Gomasta had taken a loan of ₹4 lakh and two months ago his wheat crop was destroyed in a fire. He was in distress after that, they added.

Narottam Mishra, public relations minister and government spokesperson, said the suicides by farmers were sad and serious.

BABULAL VERMA, 40, FROM HOSHANGABAD DISTRICT AND LAXMI GOMASTA, 65, FROM NARSINGHPUR KILLED THEMSELVES ON TUESDAY AND MONDAY NIGHT, RESPECTIVELY