Encroachment Dispute: Farmer Attempts Self-Immolation Outside SDM Office in Uttar Pradesh

GG News Bureau
Meerut, 6th Jan. A 53-year-old farmer on Friday attempted self-immolation in front of the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) office in Mawana, Uttar Pradesh, officials reported.

The district magistrate has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident, which must be completed within two days.

The farmer, identified as Jagbeer from Alipur Morna village, suffered 70% burns and was initially taken to the community health center. He was later referred to Meerut for further treatment.

District Magistrate Deepak Meena stated that the incident occurred in Mawana on Friday afternoon. It was in response to the removal of encroachment by the forest department, along with the revenue department, and the subsequent transfer of the land to the forest department.

Meena added that a magisterial inquiry will be conducted by Additional District Magistrate (Administration) Amit Kumar and Superintendent of Police (Rural) Kamlesh Bahadur. The findings will be submitted in a report within 48 hours.

Meanwhile, Range Officer of the forest department, Ravikant Chaudhary, refuted the farmer’s allegations. Chaudhary claimed that the farmer had illegally occupied the land for several years, and it was cleared of encroachment during a recent drive by the forest department. The land has now been reclaimed by the forest department.