Death of 2 farmers from drinking pesticides: Probe body begins investigation in Rajshahi

A three-member committee of Barind Multipurpose Development Authority (BMDA) today began investigating the death of two farmers from drinking pesticides near a deep tube-well in Rajshahi's Godagari upazila.

BMDA Executive Director Abdur Rashid said the committee headed by Nazirul Islam, superintendent engineer of the authority, was formed yesterday (March 26, 2022) night, reports our Rajshahi staff correspondent.

The committee was asked to look into whether the two farmers were given water by the tube well operator, he said.

The committee visited the spot today, looked into digital data of running the deep tube well and talked to witnesses. The report is likely to be submitted in 24 hours, said Abdur Rashid.

Meanwhile, Abhinath Mardi (36) and his cousin Robi Mardi (27) drank pesticides on March 23, 2022 afternoon allegedly for protesting deprivation of water by the deep-tube-well operator.

Abhinath died on that night while Robi died on Friday (March 25, 2022).

Abhinath's wife Rozina Hembrom filed a case at Godagari Police Station accusing the tube-well operator Sakhawat Hossain of provoking them to die by suicide.