Four farmers commit suicide in 24 hrs in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, May 15

In a sign of deepening farm distress, four debt-ridden farmers allegedly committed suicide in different parts of the district over the past 24 hours.

Jagraj Singh (50) of Dhingar village near Rampura Phul ended his life by allegedly consuming a poisonous substance. Village sarpanch Harbans Singh said the deceased had gone to his farm last night where he took the step. He owned two acres of land and had a debt of Rs 3 lakh. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Budh Singh of Maiserkhana village allegedly committed suicide by consuming pesticide at his agricultural field this afternoon. He was rushed to a private hospital in Maur Mandi where he breathed his last, his family said. Farmer leader Darshan Singh said he owned two acres of land and had a debt of Rs 6 lakh, which he owed to a bank and a commission agent.

Another farmer, Paramjeet Singh, ended his life at Sidhana village by allegedly hanging himself from a ceiling fan at his house, his relatives said. He owned a small piece of land and had a debt of Rs 2 lakh. He used to eke out his livelihood by transporting goods. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

Amritpal Singh of Dayalpura Mirza village allegedly consumed a poisonous substance at his field. He had a debt of Rs 5 lakh, of which he had paid back Rs 1 lakh.