Crop loss claims two lives in family

Apparently upset over crop loss, a 45-year-old farmer allegedly committed suicide today while his mother died of shock soon after listening to the news in Civil Lines area, on a day when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh was in the district to meet rain-hit farmers.
Ratiram hanged himself with a tree due to crop loss in Rasoolpur Bitheri village this morning, police said.
When his mother, 65-year-old Jhamman Devi, heard the news she also died of shock.
Police said that both the bodies have been sent for post mortem examination.
Union Home Minister Singh was in the district today and he has expressed concern over the reports of 103 farmers committing suicide in UP after the recent unseasonal rains.

Singh appealed to farmers not to allow anyone to take his life due to crop damage.
"Help any distraught farmer. Try to solve his problem or bring a public representative to him. Don't allow anyone to commit suicide. I am told 103 farmers so far committed suicide," he said.