A 52-year-old farmer, Kiran Santapa from Maharashtra's Kolhapur district was found dead after falling from the third floor of the Ambedkar Bhawan in Central Delhi's Paharganj area on Saturday under mysterious circumstances. Kiran was among the participants of the Kisan Mukti Morcha, or farmers protest organised in Delhi starting November 29. Police have ruled out any foul play so far.
According to the police, Kiran had come to the national Capital on Thursday night. "We received a police control call around 3.15 am. We were informed that a man has been found in a pool of blood lying on the floor at Ambedkar Bhawan, Paharganj. A team reached the spot and immediately rushed him to the Lady Harding Hospital where the doctors declared him brought dead on arrival," said a senior police officer.
According to the other farmers staying at the bhawan, they learnt about the incident early in the morning when the police reached the spot. "He had come along with his fellow-villagers to participate in the farmers rally and was staying in room number 29 on the third floor at Ambedkar Bhawan. Prima facie it appears that he had accidentally fallen from the third-floor corridor where he slept last night. The body of deceased was taken to his home town by two of his relatives," said the officer.
Mahaveer Ginaapachogule, a farmer from Santapa's village said that Santapa had reached Delhi at 2 am on Friday and spent the night at the Bangala Sahib Gurudwara. "In the morning on Friday, we joined the other farmers at the Ramlila Maidan and marched towards the Parliament Street. After the rally, we moved to Ambedkar Bhawan. We had a train to catch in the evening at 8 pm on Saturday. He slept around 11 pm on Friday night. But, when we woke up, he was found dead. We are not sure whether he fell accidentally or if he committed suicide," said Ginnapachogule. He further added that Santapa was in debt and had joined the protest to make his problems heard.
"He lived with his parents, wife, and a son. The son is unemployed and would help his father in the field after he completed his MTech. He has a daughter who is married. His body has been taken back to the village by two of his close family members," said Ginnapachogule.
Police said that they have recorded the statements of the people and have ruled out foul play in the case.
MYSTERIOUS
- Kiran Santapa was a farmer from the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra
- Police say he fell from the third floor of the Ambedkar Bhawan where he was staying
- Kiran was ti catch a train back home at 8 pm on Saturday
- He was rushed to the Lady Harding Hospital but was declared brought dead on arrival
