Mansa, August 12

A debt-ridden farmer in Bappiana village of Mansa district allegedly ended life by suicide by consuming a poisonous substance. Kuldeep Singh, 34, had taken around Rs 10 lakh debt. He is survived by his two daughters, a son and wife. Krantikari Kisan Union (KKU) leaders have demanded adequate compensation and a government job next to the kin of the deceased.

KKU leader Kulwinder Singh Bappiana said: “The deceased was under mental stress as he could not repay his debt. He consumed a poisonous substance. He was taken to a private hospital in Bathinda for treatment where he breathed his last. He owned only 2.5 acres and the financial condition of his family is quite poor. The village panchayat and our union demand that government must waive the entire debt of the deceased and provide Rs 10 lakh as compensation and a government job to a member of his family.” — TNS