In a shocking development, 12 more indebted farmers ended their lives in the past 24 hours in Vidarbha, taking the toll to 27 during the past four days of Holi celebrations. Earlier, 15 farmers had committed suicides on March 22 and 23.  According to the Nagpur-based Vidarbha Jan Andolan Samiti (VJAS), so far, 233 farmers ended their lives this year, with January accounting for 80 suicides and February 86. This month accounts for 67 suicides. 
The Maharashtra government as well as local authorities have not disputed names or figures given from time to time by VJAS so far, nevertheless the officials attribute reasons behind suicides to other than indebtedness.