Ryot attempts suicide

BARGARH: A farmer, Iswar Pradhan (35) of Charpali village under Khuntpali gram panchayat, allegedly attempted suicide by consuming pesticide on Tuesday. He was rushed to the district headquarters hospital and later shifted to VSS Medical at Burla in the night after his condition deteriorated.Reports said Iswar had cultivated paddy over seven acres and sunk a deep bore-well to irrigate his land. But low voltage which resulted in frequent breakdowns proved fatal for the crop. To add to the woes, the motor of the LI Point conked out and he needed money to get it repaired.Unable to accept the failure of crop, Iswar took the extreme step. He was found unconscious by fellow villagers who rushed him to the hospital. The villagers had earlier taken up the issue of low voltage with Patharla Grid Station and the executive officer, Bargarh electrical division, WESCO, besides the district administration, but no action has taken to ensure required voltage rendering all LI Points in the area defunct.