- By Yashashvi Tak
- Wed, 05 Nov 2025 04:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
A Karnataka farmer committed suicide by setting himself on fire on Wednesday in Mandya, alleging prolonged government inaction over a land dispute. The farmer, Manjegowda, set himself ablaze outside the Mandya District Administration Office. Bystanders and authorities quickly intervened to put out the fire and took Manjegowda to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to NDTV, Manjegowda had submitted an application to the Tehsildar on October 18, stating that he had taken a bank loan. In the application, he also mentioned encroachment on forest land and alleged harassment by three local individuals. He explained that his farm bordered a forest, and the state forest department had claimed ownership of the disputed plot, preventing him from cultivating it and denying him compensation.
Frustrated by government inaction, Manjegowda poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire outside the Mandya District Administration Office.
The Mandya Deputy Commissioner has ordered an investigation into the incident. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre described the case as unfortunate and told NDTV that he had requested a report from his officials regarding the investigation.
Farmers Suicide Case In India
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported that 10,786 farmers and agricultural workers committed suicide in 2023. Maharashtra accounted for the highest share (38.5 percent), followed by Karnataka (22.5 percent). Farmer organizations criticized the Narendra Modi government’s policies, warning that waiving import duties on cotton could worsen the situation, as many suicides occurred in the country’s cotton-growing regions.
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In 2023, 10,786 people from the farming sector died by suicide, including 4,690 farmers and 6,096 agricultural workers, accounting for 6.3 percent of total suicides in India. Most victims were male. Maharashtra and Karnataka reported the highest numbers, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Several states reported no farm suicides.