Debt-ridden ryot kills self in MP

Barwani, MP, Feb 13 (UNI) A 45-year-old peasant hanged himself today at a farm in Sajwani village 3 km from this district headquarters following the administration's move to auction his land for debt recovery.

Villagers placed Badi Sirwi's body in front of the collectorate and staged a demonstration in support of a demand for registering a criminal case against those responsible. The agitators were pacified by District Collector Arun Tiwari and the Superintendent of Police who assured that proper action would be taken.

The deceased's sons Prakash, Lakshman and agrarian leader Chandrashekhar Yadav alleged that copies of a notice were put up at the panchayat building and Sirwi's residence regarding auction of land for debt recovery.

''He availed a loan of Rs 3.13 lakh for a tubewell in 2003 from the Bank of India,'' said Tehsildar B S Parsedia. As not a single rupee was repaid, the dues exceeded Rs 4.59 lakh.

''It has also come to light that the cultivator was mentally weak,'' said Mr Tiwari.

UNI