Farmer consumes poison at protest site, survives

Roorkee: A labourer who was participating in a protest organized by Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) in Roorkee, attempted suicide by consuming

poison

on Tuesday. He is now reported to be out of danger.

According to reports, Zahid Ahmed (32) from Nagla Imarti village near Roorkee, was sitting on dharna near the Boat Club since morning in support of BKU’s protest against ongoing raids by the power department on houses of farmers, to extract unpaid dues. At about 1pm, he reportedly consumed rat poison and fell unconscious. He was immediately admitted to Salar Hospital by fellow protesters.

It is reported that although Zahid did not have any unpaid electricity bills, the leased property in which he was living in the village was recently raided by the power department in view of possible electricity theft. The power department had imposed a heavy penalty on his landlord, who asked Zahid to pay the penalty as he has not been living in that house. “In desperation, he took the extreme step,” said a source.

Administration officials said they were already examining the case to find out if his suicide attempt was linked to his landlord’s alleged attempt to force him into bearing the burden of the electricity bill.

“He is out of danger and has returned to his house. We’re gathering information right now, and will take action in accordance with our findings,” said Krishanand Pant, additional tehsildar (Roorkee).