Pune: Elderly Farmer Commits Suicide in Baramati After Complaints Go Unanswered

Baramati, 15th April 2024: A tragic event occurred in the Late village of Baramati taluka, where an elderly farmer ended his life by consuming poison. Before taking this step, the farmer, Hanumant Pandurang Sanas (70), released a video explaining that he decided to commit suicide because his complaints to the Irrigation Department, Food and Public Distribution Department, and the police were disregarded.

Sanas’ brother, Jaywant, filed a complaint at Vadgaon Nimbalkar Police Station in Baramati regarding the incident. As per the complaint, the police have registered a case against six individuals—Abhijit alias Sopan Ghule, Amar Dattatray Dudhane (residents of Pune), Mohan alias Bajrang Shankar Kolekar, Sambhaji Mahadev Khalate, and Prakash Babulal Mane (three residents of Late)—on charges of abuse, intimidation, and abetment of suicide.

On February 26, Hanumant Sanas made a formal complaint to the Chief Minister’s office, along with the Deputy Chief Minister, Collector, Superintendent of Police, and representatives from the Irrigation and Food and Public Distribution offices. In his statement, Sanas alleged harassment from employees of the Korhale Budruk branch of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Vadgaon Nimbalkar division of the Water Resources Department, and Vadgaon Nimbalkar Police Station.

Sanas owned a farm located near the Neera River in Group No. 141 of Late Village, Baramati taluka. Although no one else had been granted permission by the Water Resources Department to extract water from the area, MSEDCL provided electricity connections to eight farmers. This situation led to Sanas being hindered by the accused individuals as they were illegally using water from the river.

Sanas and his family faced threats and intimidation from the accused, including Abhijit alias Sopan Ghule, Amar Dudhane, Mohan Kolekar, Sambhaji Mahadev Khalate, and Prakash Babulal Mane. Sanas had requested a resolution by March 15 in his statement. The police have seized the note Sanas wrote before committing suicide by consuming poison, in which he expressed frustration over the lack of response to his complaints.

Sanas’ brother Jaywant stated in the complaint that Sanas was targeted and bullied by these individuals due to his attempts to stop them from extracting water illegally. Despite the threats, the Irrigation Department, Food and Public Distribution Department Department, and the police did not take any action against those responsible. This inaction and harassment ultimately led to Sanas’ decision to end his life.