Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)

Kasargod, Apr 10: A farmer was found hanging from a tree amidst the vegetation grown by him on Saturday, April 9.

Koragappa Bhandary (47), an expert farmer from Kambaru Bedradka is the deceased.

As Koragappa did not own land, he had taken up five acres of land on lease and engaged in agriculture for the last several years. Besides paddy, he was growing different vegetables. An unexpected rain in November last year had washed away his crops grown in an area of 3 acres of land, causing loss of several lacs. He had to repay a loan of Rs 10 lac. Harvesting was not possible due to incessant rain. There was scarcity of labour too.

Koragappa also faced financial problems. He had written to the state government requesting for compensation but he did not receive any. He had gone to several government offices for nearly five months for submitting the application. Unable to cope with the circumstances, Koragappa Bhandary decided to end his life.

In a suicide note Koragappa has requested the government to protect his wife and children. Being the sole breadwinner of the family, he was looking after them with the income from agriculture.

Vidyanagar police have registered a case.