Eight sugarcane farmers attempt suicide in front of officials

Gulbarga, Apr 11 (UNI) Eight sugarcane farmers attempted suicide in front of Government officials by consuming pesticide at Jewargi, about 50 km from here, demanding that the Government ensure that Renuka Sugars bought sugarcane from farmers of the region and not from Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

The sugarcane farmers have been holding agitational programmes in front of the Tahsildar's office in Jewargi to press their demand and had threatened to commit mass suicide last week unless the Government came forward to settle the matter.

A large number of farmers converged in front of the Tahsildar's office and observed sit-in dharna. BJP State President D V Sadananda Gowda met them and assured them that he would bring the matter to the notice of the Government. Later, Revenue department Assistant Commissioner, Tahsildar and Deputy Superintendent of Police tried to persuade them to call off their stir.

Suddenly, the eight farmers took out a bottle of pesticide and consumed it. They were immediately admitted to the taluk hospital, where their condition was stated to be out of danger.

Two police constables, who tried to prevent the farmers, were also treated in the hospital as they developed skin rashes after the pesticide fell on them.

Police said attempt to suicide case was reg