Balangir: The spectre of drought looming over Odisha took a tragic turn after a farmer reportedly committed suicide by consuming poison in Balangir district.
The deceased was identified as Rechaka Banchor (60), a resident of Kadobera in Tureikela block.
Confirming the news on Friday, Rechaka’s son Pavitra said, “My father consumed poison yesterday (Thursday) as he was mentally disturbed over crop failure on account of scanty rainfall,”
The son said their cotton and paddy crops were damaged due to less rainfall this monsoon.
Rechaka had also taken loan for his farms and was worried for the past few days, he added.
According to reports, the farmer’s family first took him to a hospital at Kantabanji. He was later shifted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital after his condition deteriorated. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital on Thursday night.