Seven-day protest ends after written assurance to farmers family given by administration in Wardha
Wardha : A seven-day agitation demanding justice for farmer Bhagwan Dhurve, who was killed in a tiger attack in Wardha district on Sept 9, ended late Tuesday after the administration agreed to key demands raised by his family and villagers. Dhurve, a resident of Raipur Jangli village in Seloo taluka, was killed in a tiger attack on Sept 9. In the immediate aftermath, villagers refused to cremate the body and began an agitation, demanding either Rs1 crore in compensation or Rs25 lakh under existing govt norms, along with a govt job for a member of the bereaved family. Following negotiations with protesters, the administration agreed to provide Rs25 lakh compensation through the forest department in accordance with existing govt policy.
The tribal development department also agreed to submit a proposal for extending hostel and educational benefits to the deceased farmer’s 17-year-old son, who is pursuing studies in Nagpur. Seven-day protest ends after written assurance to farmers family given by administration in Wardha Seven-day protest ends after written assurance to farmers family given by administration in Wardha Seven-day protest ends after written assurance to farmers family given by administration in Wardha Seven-day protest ends after written assurance to farmers family given by administration in Wardha Refusing to conduct his last rites until concrete relief was announced, the family had launched a protest that drew support from MP Amar Kale, Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders and several social organisations. The tribal development department also assured housing assistance to the family under a govt scheme. As the family currently resides in a kutcha house, officials further assured that, after due verification, a proposal would be sent to the govt for granting land ownership rights to the family. In addition, one member of Dhurve’s family will be engaged as a seasonal forest worker. Officials also assured protesters that a proposal seeking enhanced compensation for victims of wildlife attacks would be forwarded to the state govt for consideration. Following these assurances, villagers agreed to withdraw the agitation and proceed with the funeral. Among those present during the protest were former MLA Sunil Bhusara, Rajesh Daph, Abhyuday Meghe, Shekhar Shende, Sharad Pawar faction district president Atul Wandile, Congress district president Sunil Kolhe, former MP Manoj Chandurkar, Wardha Municipal Council president Sudhir Pangul, Deoli Municipal Council president Kiran Thakare, Prof Nitesh Karale, Bala Mauskar, Rajendra Sharma, advocate Avinash Kakade and Mahendra Muneshwar, besides workers and office-bearers of various political parties and a large number of villagers. The protesters had staged a sit-in outside the district collector’s office, maintaining from the outset that they would continue the agitation until justice was delivered and a concrete decision was taken by the govt and administration. During the protest, MP Kale criticised the govt and administration, warning against any attempt to suppress the agitation.
The deadlock was resolved after Wardha district collector Vanmathi C provided written assurances, following which the family agreed to perform Dhurve’s last rites on Wednesday, eight days after his death.
A proposal to rehabilitate the village was prepared in 2016 but has yet to receive approval, according to MLA Rohit Pawar. Because the long-pending rehabilitation proposal had not been implemented despite repeated demands, pawar alleged that the govt bore responsibility for Dhurve’s death. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nagpur | Silver Rate in Nagpur | Bank Holidays in Nagpur | Public Holidays in Nagpur | Petrol Price in Nagpur | Diesel Price in Nagpur | CNG Price in Nagpur | LPG Price in Nagpur Stay updated with the latest Nagpur news.
Raipur Jangli is located adjacent to a tiger reserve. Pawar alleged that the govt was responsible for Dhurve’s death. Download the TOI App.