Farmer Suicide in Nagpur's Katol Taluka
Nagpur: A farmer, Rameshwar Hazare, of Bandhli village in Katol taluka of Nagpur district, died by suicide on Thursday by jumping into a well in his fields, creating a stir in Vidarbha, infamous for farm suicides.
Financial Burden and Family Struggles
Hazare, owner of six-and-a-half acres of land, was reportedly under pressure from outstanding loans of Rs 5 lakh. Police said Hazare had three loans — one in his personal name and two shared with his brothers. While financial distress is suspected, authorities did not rule out other factors.
The farmer had been living alone after his wife and children abandoned him and frequently spent nights on his farmland. He was sleeping in the open, the night before the tragedy.
Incident Details
On the morning of June 11, Hazare left home stating he was heading to the fields. His body was later fished out of the well in the evening and sent for autopsy. No suicide note was recovered.
Katol police initially registered the case as an accidental death. Superintendent of Police Harssh Poddar of Nagpur Rural district said a detailed investigation is underway. Sources from the investigation team stated multiple factors could be involved — mounting debts, crop-related losses, disturbed family life, or even mental stress.
Vidarbha's Farmer Distress
Vidarbha has historically witnessed farmer distress due to erratic monsoon, rising input costs, crop failures, and debt burdens. "Small and marginal farmers often face simultaneous financial, familial, and emotional challenges, making them vulnerable," said a police officer, who is questioning family members and relatives to ascertain the trigger for suicide.
