A 50-year-old farmer committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree at his farmland on Tuesday night. While family members said that the farmer took the extreme step due to debt, the authorities said that the exact reason would be known after the investigations.
Nowrozabad Police Station in-charge RB Soni said that Gokul Pal ended his life late last night by hanging himself from a tree at his farmland in Bhundi village, about 25 km from Umaria district headquarters.
"We have talked to villagers and they are giving different versions. The exact reason would be known after a detailed inquiry. We will talk to the family members and extend help to them. Their statements are yet to be recorded," Sub Divisional Magistrate Rishi Pawar said.
Pal's son Naresh Pal (25), however, said that his father took the step as he was undergoing tension due to his inability to repay loans worth Rs 90,000, which he had taken from two private lenders. He added that the problem worsened due to huge losses he suffered in crop damage.
leader of Opposition in state assembly Ajay Singh, however, blamed the state government's apathy for this incident.
"There is widespread drought in Umaria district but the state government has failed to extend help. The authorities have not yet declared the district as drought-hit despite drought damaging crops," Singh said.