Farmer attempts suicide inside Nadakacheri office over crop loss compensation delay
Gadag : In a shocking incident highlighting the growing distress among farmers, a farmer attempted suicide by consuming poison inside a Nadakacheri office in front of officials, after repeatedly being denied crop loss compensation. The incident occurred at Konnur village in Naragund taluk of Gadag district.
The victim has been identified as Siddanagouda Hiregoudar, a farmer from Belleri village. According to reports, Hiregoudar cultivated maize and onion on his four-acre land. However, his crops were severely damaged due to heavy rainfall and flooding from the Malaprabha river. Despite the devastation, the authorities allegedly failed to record his crop loss details for compensation purposes.
Frustrated by the negligence, Hiregoudar reportedly approached the Nadakacheri office several times seeking redress. He accused the village accountant of showing indifference and not bringing his issue to the attention of the tahsildar and district administration. Overwhelmed by despair, he consumed poison in front of the officials inside the Nadakacheri premises on Tuesday.
Fellow farmers and staff members immediately rushed him to Naragund Government Hospital in an ambulance. Due to his critical condition, doctors referred him to KIMS Hospital, Hubballi, for advanced treatment.
Following the incident, Naragund DySP Prabhu and other senior officials arrived at the spot and initiated an inquiry. Meanwhile, anger erupted among local farmers who gathered outside the office, accusing the officials of gross negligence. They warned that the administration would be held directly responsible if anything happens to Hiregoudar.
This incident has once again exposed the systemic apathy and delays in disbursing compensation to farmers affected by floods and erratic weather. Farmer unions have demanded immediate suspension of the negligent officers and a transparent review of all pending crop loss claims in Gadag district.
