Farmer's death triggers protest in Mandya

Murdered by the State, says Raitha Sangha leader

Demanding suitable compensation to the family of farmer Ningegowda (60), who committed suicide by setting himself ablaze at his sugarcane field, residents of Hosuru, farmers and public staged a protest by blocking Dr Rajkumar Road, in Pandavapura, on Thursday.

The protesters demanded that the District Administration take the responsibility of clearing the debt of Ningegowda and provide a government job to his son Eregowda.

Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nagabushan, who visited the spot, tried to pacify the agitated crowd, but in vain. 

Later, holding a meeting with the other officials, he assured that a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh will be paid to the deceased’s family and the loss of sugarcane crop will be compensated. 

“Steps will be taken to provide self-employment facilities to Eregowda along with physically challenged person’s honorarium and issue widow pension to Ningegowda’s wife.

MLA K S Puttannaiah visited the spot and presented a compensation of Rs 25,000. He blamed the State government for the farmers’ death. KRRS leader Kodihalli Chandrashekar also visited and consoled the family members. The issue would be highlighted during the Belagavi Session, he said.

Murdered by the State

Following the suicide of farmer Ningegowda of Hosuru village, in Pandavapura taluk, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha vice-president Konasale Narasaraju described it as a “murder by the State government”.

In a release issued at Maddur in the district, he said, Ningegowda has not committed suicide but has been murdered by the State government. By trying to protect the interests of sugar factories, the State has ignored the farmers, pushing them to take such extreme steps. The State should learn from the incident and initiate suitable measures to protect the interest of farmers, he added.