Opposition parties on Tuesday demanded immediate arrest of the Balangir Sub-Collector for “prompting” farmer Nandighosh Barik of Harabhanga village under the loisinga police station to commit suicide a week ago.
leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra raising the issue during Zero Hour in the State Assembly said the Sub-Collector is responsible for Nadhighosh’s death as he, instead of any assurance, gave negative remarks on his crop loss.
“A group of farmers from the village had gone to meet the district Collector on March 21. As he was absent, they met the Sub-Collector and apprised about how their crops were lost in hailstorm attack on March 18. The Sub-Collector made a mockery of their allegation stating that no crop is lost in summer and district administration can’t provide any support. He even ridiculed their helpless stating they can do whatever they want to do,” Mishra said reading out a copy of the FIR filed at the PS by Nandigosh’s elder brother Kartik Barik.
Stating that he visited the village, Mishra said Nandighosh had raised tomato in an acre of land taking loans from bank, micro finance and private sources. All his and other villagers’ crops were damaged due to hailstone falling on March 18. Affected villagers, including Nandighosh, had earlier gone to other concerned Tehsildar, BDO and Agriculture officer to apprise about crop loss. The Tehsidar and Agriculture officer had also visited the village.
“Nandighosh was found hanging on the village river bank the next day early morning on March 22 as he could not get any assurance from the Sub-Collector. He was under severe stress for debts,” Kartika had mentioned in the FIR.
Mishra observed that had the Sub-Collector given any assurance, Nandighosh could not have committed suicide. “The Sub-Collector’s negative attitude prompted Nandhighost to commit suicide, and hence a case of cognizable offence need to be filed against him,” Mishra said urged the Speaker to direct the Government to submit a reply in 48 hours time.
Opposition Chief Whip Tara Pasad Bahinipati supporting Mishra demanded that the Sub-Collector be arrested soon.