Maha CM orders probe over farmer's widow suicide

In a first-of-its-kind incident, the widow of a farmer from the Yavatmal district of Vidarbha ended her life nearly 100 days after Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met her and assured help from the government.

The incident reflects the agrarian crisis in the region, where several hundred cotton farmers have committed suicide over the past decade.

Shanta Tajane, 55, a resident of Pimpri  Buti village, reportedly ended her life on June 10.
Incidentally, Fadnavis had visited her on March 3 while touring the Ratchandana, Ghorkhindi and Pimpri Buti villages in Yavatmal. Her husband Prahlad Tajane had committed suicide a few years ago. 

“This is shocking. I have asked the district collector to look into the issue and give a report,” said Fadnavis in reaction to the incident. “In cases of suicide by farmers, Rs 1 lakh is given—Rs 70,000 in the form of fixed deposit and Rs 30,000 cash,” he added.

“After her husband passed away, she got aid of Rs 1 lakh, out of which Rs 30,000 was given immediately, while Rs 70,000 were deposited in her bank account.

She was not able to withdraw this amount as she was not guided on its formalities.