‘Tortured’ by police, Odisha farmer ends life by consuming pesticide

A farmer from Choukamal village under Lachhipur police limits in Sonepur district allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide on Monday. The deceased farmer has been identified as Surendra Biswal. His family has accused the police of torture and biased treatment that forced him to take the drastic step.

The 45-year-old deceased farmer had reportedly been involved in a prolonged dispute with his two brothers over ownership of around four-and-a-half acres of land. According to reports, arguments and fights over the matter were frequent in the family.

Dispute Taken To Police

On Sunday, the quarrel escalated and the police reportedly mediated and reached a compromise among the three brothers. However, Surendra’s family members alleged that the police acted in a biased manner, threatened and tortured him both physically and mentally. The family also alleged that the police forcibly took his signature on a paper.

They further claimed that Surendra returned home from the police station in a terrified state, fearing that the police would side with his brothers and that he would lose his share of the land. Distressed over the matter and worried about the future of his children, he allegedly consumed pesticide kept at home.

Rushed To Hospital

Following the incident, Surendra was first taken to the Binika Community Health Centre and later shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Sonepur. As his condition deteriorated further, he was moved to Burla VIMSAR for advanced treatment, where he died while being treated.

Police Deny Allegations

While the family has alleged that biased treatment by the police forced Surendra to take the extreme step, Lachhipur police station IIC has denied all accusations. He stated that the matter was settled at the police station through a compromise.

Meanwhile, locals have demanded an impartial probe into the incident and immediate suspension of the ICC to ensure justice to the family of the deceased Odisha farmer.