Bhubaneswar: The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday demanded a fair and high-level inquiry into the suicide of a farmer from Nuapada district, allegedly linked to irregularities in paddy procurement.

The demand came after a BJD delegation visited the family of the deceased farmer, Nepal Majhi, who reportedly ended his life after being unable to sell his paddy at a government mandi. The party also sought stringent action against officials found responsible for the incident.

The delegation, led by former Minister and BJD Vice-President Sanjay Kumar Das Burma, met the Nuapada District Collector and submitted a memorandum addressed to Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati.

In its memorandum, the party demanded adequate ex gratia for the bereaved family, a government job for one family member, and free education for the farmer’s children up to the higher level along with necessary financial assistance.

The BJD also called for an extension of the paddy procurement timeline and urged the government to immediately procure paddy lying in mandis across Nuapada district. It further demanded the government and procurement agencies take full responsibility for storage, lifting, and transportation of the produce.

Appealing to the Governor to intervene, the party said corrective measures were urgently needed in the interest of thousands of farmers in the district.

Alleging lapses in the procurement process, the BJD said Nepal Majhi had received a token on May 30 to sell 36.96 quintals of paddy. However, even after 24 days, he was unable to sell his produce due to mismanagement at the mandi, leading to severe mental distress.

The delay in procurement reportedly caused financial strain and emotional pressure. Burdened by debts and family responsibilities, Majhi allegedly consumed poison on Monday afternoon, resulting in his death.

The BJD delegation also visited several paddy mandis, including Jadamunda, Dharambandh, Mota Nuapada, and Beltukuri, where farmers highlighted large-scale irregularities and deficiencies in the mandi management system.