Debt-ridden farmer attempts suicide in Collector's office

A 70-year-old debt-ridden farmer attempted suicide in the District Collector's office premises here, police said today.
Janardhan Raut, a resident of village Akpuri near here, consumed some poisonous substance last evening. Two youths noticed him lying on the ground and informed the police, who rushed him to the local Government hospital. He was today put on ventilator after his condition deteriorated.
Raut, who possesses four acres of farmland, owes Rs 2.5 lakh to the Yavatmal District Central Co-Operative Bank and a nationalised bank. He has taken loan from local moneylenders too.
His crops were destroyed in the recent hailstorm and unseasonal rains. He was looking for some financial assistance from the district administration for which he had come to the Collector's office.

According to hospital superintendent Kishor Ingole, Raut is in critical condition and been put on ventilator.
Enquiries revealed Raut had come to the city to find out about the financial assistance declared by the State Government on March 19 for hailstorm-affected farmers.

But he could not meet anyone as he reached the office after working hours. A disappointed Raut then consumed the poison and collapsed, police said.
Police have recovered a three-page letter addressed to the Wadgaon police station in-charge in which he is said to have mentioned the reason for attempting suicide.
When contacted Collector Ashwin Mudgal confirmed the incident but refused to divulge contents of the letter.

"I have asked my tehsildar (revenue official) to get the details of the debt the man owes to the banks and money lenders," Mudgal said, adding he would speak further only after getting a report in this regard.