Punjab farmer dies by suicide at Khanauri protest site

PATIALA: A 53-year-old farmer Gurmeet Singh, a resident of Thoothianwali village in Mansa, allegedly died by suicide at the Khanauri protest site, where farmers have been demonstrating since February 13.
The farmers were halted by the Haryana government during their Delhi Chalo 2.0 agitation, which was aimed to highlight their demands, including the implementation of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.
Gurmeet Singh, a landless farmer who also worked as an electrician, is survived by his wife, two sons (one of whom is married) and a daughter.
According to Baldev Singh Sandoha, a farmer leader from BKU Ekta Sidhupur, Gurmeet was unable to settle his outstanding electricity bills due to financial constraints.
Sandoha stated that the incident occurred at approximately 8 AM near a trailer at the protest site, where Gurmeet was residing in camp accommodation.
Although originally from Thoothianwali village, he had been living in a rented house in Mansa city. The deceased's body has been transferred to the mortuary, and a post-mortem examination will be conducted in due course.
The in-charge of Tharua sub-police station in Patran, Patiala district, confirmed that Gurmeet Singh's body has been placed in the mortuary of Samana government hospital. The autopsy will be performed upon completion of necessary formalities, such as identification and the recording of statements from relevant parties.