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Bhandara Farmer Dies After Warning Minister of Drought Distress
Rajendra Sapate was a 55-year-old farmer in Maharashtra.
His paddy crop was badly damaged because there was not enough rain.
A few days before his death, he told minister Pankaj Bhoyar that farmers were struggling because they lacked water for their fields.
Bhoyar had visited the area to review the drought and said action would be taken.
On October 8, Sapate was found in a well in a field.
Police registered the death as an accidental death case and are investigating.
His relatives said they did not suspect anyone and did not want to press charges.
The report also says Maharashtra was seeking special financial help from the central government because drought had affected many areas.
Rajendra Sapate, 55, was found dead in a well in Bhandara district on Thursday, October 8.
Police said his paddy crop was damaged by insufficient rainfall; the report says he allegedly died by suicide.
A video showed Sapate telling Maharashtra minister Pankaj Bhoyar that lack of irrigation and rain had put farmers in severe distress.
Bhoyar had visited the area on October 3 to review drought conditions and assured Sapate that action would be taken.
Police registered an accidental death case; Sapate’s relatives said they had no suspicion about his death and did not wish to press charges.
- Who
- Rajendra Sapate, a 55-year-old farmer, and Maharashtra minister Pankaj Bhoyar.
- What
- Sapate was found dead in a well after speaking publicly about farmers’ drought-related distress.
- Where
- Bhandara district, Maharashtra.
- When
- Thursday, October 8; Sapate had spoken to Bhoyar during a visit on October 3.
- Why
- The report links Sapate’s distress to insufficient rainfall, lack of irrigation and damage to his paddy crop.
Key facts
- Farmer
- Rajendra Sapate, 55
- District
- Bhandara, Maharashtra
- Date found
- Thursday, October 8
- Reported crop impact
- His paddy crop was damaged due to insufficient rainfall.
- Ministerial visit
- Pankaj Bhoyar visited the area on October 3 to review drought conditions.
- Police action
- An accidental death case was registered and further investigation was underway.
- Statewide drought figures cited
- The report said 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas appeared completely affected by drought.
Quotes
Andhalgaon police station official
Police official who provided information about the farmer’s death and his relatives’ views.
“Sapate’s entire paddy crop was damaged due to insufficient rainfall. His body has been recovered from the well. The deceased’s relatives have said they do not have any suspicion about the death and do not wish to press charges.”
theprint.in
“Farming is in danger due to lack of irrigation. The situation is such that farmers may give up their lives.”
theprint.in
Sources
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