The controversy sparked by the suicide of 49-year-old Rajeev, a paddy farmer in Upper Kuttanad, continued to rage with a United Democratic Front (UDF) delegation led by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan visiting family members of the deceased at Niranom here on Tuesday.
Terming the incident unfortunate, Mr. Satheesan launched a scathing attack on the State government for its continuing apathy towards the farmers. According to him, the recurring crop loss due to climatic variations and delay in receiving compensation forced the farmer to end his life.
“The damage to crop every year has become a major burden on the farmers like him. The summer rain in the previous year had destroyed his crops in about nine acres of land, but the compensation he received was just ₹2,500. While a case against this inadequate sum had been under consideration of the High Court, he yet again suffered a crop damage,” Mr. Satheesan said.
