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Dalit Farmer Couple's Pesticide Protest Highlights "Jungle Raj" in Madhya Pradesh

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The recent protest by a Dalit farmer couple in Madhya Pradesh, where they consumed pesticide in an attempt to prevent police from removing their land, has sparked widespread outrage. The incident, in which the couple's relatives were allegedly beaten by police, has been condemned by opposition parties, who have accused the state government of high-handedness. The government has since removed the district collector and an inquiry has been ordered into the incident.

Key Takeaways:

  • A Dalit farmer couple, Ramkumar Ahirwar and Savitri Devi, consumed pesticide in protest against an anti-encroachment drive by police in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district.
  • The couple had allegedly taken a 45-bigha land on lease to cultivate it, and the police were attempting to remove the encroachments for the construction of a government post-graduate college.
  • The police had booked the couple and their relatives for trying to obstruct public officials on duty.
  • The government has removed the District Collector S Vishwanathan and SP Tarun Nayak, and ordered a probe into the incident.
  • Home Minister Narottam Mishra has said that senior officials from Bhopal will probe the incident and take action against whoever was responsible.
  • The Opposition has condemned the high-handedness of the police, with former Chief Minister Kamal Nath calling it "jungle raj".
  • The protest has highlighted the struggles faced by Dalit farmers and the need for the government to address the issues of land ownership and encroachment.

Statistics:

  • 45 bigha: The area of the land that was allegedly encroached upon by the farmer couple.
  • Rs 12 crore: The amount sanctioned by the government for the construction of the government post-graduate college.
  • 2 years: The amount of time the college funding has been pending.
  • 38: The age of Ramkumar Ahirwar, the Dalit farmer who consumed pesticide.
  • 35: The age of Savitri Devi, the Dalit farmer's wife who also consumed pesticide.

Sources:

  • "MP Dalit farmer couple consume pesticide protesting against anti-encroachment drive in Guna, viral video shows relatives being thrashed". The Indian Express, [No Date Provided].
  • Contify.com.

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