Farmer Dies After Consuming Pesticide Amid Crop Loss Distress

Chandrapur: A 65-year-old farmer from Pachgaon village in Rajura taluka allegedly ended his life by consuming pesticide. The deceased has been identified as Kamalakar Rajeshwar Bhende. Sources said repeated crop failures over the past three years had driven him into deep distress, forcing him to take the extreme step. According to initial information, he consumed pesticide—purchased for use on his fields—at his residence around 5 pm on February 14.
As his condition worsened, his family rushed him to the Sub-District Hospital in Rajura. He was later shifted to the Government Hospital in Chandrapur, where doctors declared him dead on February 15. Villagers described Bhende as a hardworking and dedicated farmer. "Over the past few years, erratic rainfall, rising input costs, and inadequate returns had placed him under severe financial and emotional strain," locals said. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, and a son. A case has been registered at the concerned police station, and further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of his death. Meanwhile, local residents and members of the farming community have urged the authorities to extend financial assistance and support to the bereaved family.