Farmer attempts self-immolation over procurement delay in Jangaon

A farmer in Jangaon district allegedly attempted self-immolation at a paddy procurement centre over delays in procurement of his paddy stocks. Locals and fellow farmers intervened in time and prevented the incident amid allegations of irregularities in the token-based procurement system

Warangal: A farmer allegedly attempted to set himself ablaze at a paddy procurement centre in Enebhavi village of Jangaon district on Sunday, protesting against the prolonged delay in procurement. Alert locals and fellow farmers intervened in time and stopped him from taking the extreme step.

The farmer, identified as Ponnam Thirumalesh, is learnt to be associated with the Congress party at the local level. Distressed over the delay in procurement of his paddy stocks, he allegedly poured diesel on himself after an argument with officials at the procurement centre. Videos of the farmer questioning the delay are circulating on social media.

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According to reports, Thirumalesh had been waiting for nearly a month for his paddy stocks to be weighed and procured. Officials had reportedly been following a token-based system for procurement.

Trouble began when Thirumalesh found that farmers who had arrived after him were being allowed to weigh their produce ahead of him. He claimed that he was issued token number 16, but officials allegedly informed him that his token number was actually 76.

Upset over the officials’ response and the continued delay, Thirumalesh questioned how much longer farmers would have to wait for procurement. In a moment of distress, he allegedly attempted suicide by pouring diesel on himself.

Locals and other farmers at the centre immediately intervened and prevented any untoward incident.