Fresh probe into Bargarh farmer’s suicide ordered

Bhubaneswar: Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy on Monday indicated towards a fresh investigation into the suicide of Hadu Bagarti, a farmer from Bargarh district.

As per latest reports, the minister has asked the Bargarh District Collector Anjan Kumar Manik to carry out the probe afresh into the matter.

Speaking to media persons, Maharathy said his death is true. But it needs to be ascertained whether he consumed pesticide and whether there was any quarrel with family. As the Collector said he had not visited the spot, I will ask him to take proper steps for a fresh probe.

Earlier, during a clarification in the budget session of Assembly on Saturday, Maharathy had claimed that as per the district collector’s report it was revealed that Hadu might have resorted to suicide following a quarrel with his wife. He had then ruled out any possibilities of loan burden or crop loss behind the farmer’s death.

Hadu’s wife Kala Bagarti had also rejected the reason cited by the minister. “No one had come to our house and besides we had not quarrelled,” she told.

Also Read:Bargarh Collector clarifies on farmer’s suicide probe

After the minister passed the blame on the collector, Manik subsequently clarified that he had not personally visited Hadu's house but the probe findings were initially based on the reports of field officials, Tehsildar and Assistant Agriculture Officer.