Buldhana: Award-Winning Farmer Dies by Suicide Over Water Crisis in Deulgaon Raja, Leaves Three-Page Note

A shocking incident has emerged from Shiwani Armal Village in Deulgaon Raja taluka of Buldhana district of Maharashtra on Thursday, March 13. On the day of the festival, a farmer who had received the state government's youth award ended his life by consuming poison. The farmer, who left behind a three-page suicide note, took the extreme step due to the ongoing water crisis for agriculture, triggering outrage among locals. Residents have protested against the government, blaming the lack of water from the Khadakpurna Dam for his death.

Kailash Arjun Nagre, a progressive farmer and recipient of the state youth award, consumed poison in his field on Thursday morning. Superintendent of Police Vishwa Pansare confirmed that a three-page suicide note was found near his body. Nagre had been actively fighting for a sustainable water supply from the Khadakpurna reservoir for farmers in Deulgaon Raja. Last December, he had even staged a 10-day hunger strike to demand water for irrigation.

Also Read | Farmer Deaths in Maharashtra: Over 1,200 Suicides Since January 2024; Amravati Division Worst Hit.

In his suicide note, Nagre stated that he was taking this extreme step because farmers in the area were unable to secure water for farming. As he was widely respected among local farmers, tensions have escalated, with farmers refusing to allow the police to take his body for post-mortem until the guardian minister or district collector arrives at the scene and provides concrete assurances to fulfill his demands.

Thousands of farmers have gathered at the site, deeply shocked by Nagre’s tragic demise. Police have reached the location to manage the situation as emotions run high.