Farmer convicted for non-payment of farm loan dies in jail

A Bhiwani-based farmer, who had been sent to Bhiwani district jail for failing to repay his farm loan of over Rs 9 lakh died on Monday, barely 10 days after being sent to jail. Jail authorities rushed 65-year-old Ranbir Singh, to the civil hospital after he complained of chest pain last night, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. Angry over Ranbir's death, his family members and fellow farmers refused to claim the body and sat on a dharna outside the Tehsildar's office in Bhiwani's Bahal town. The protest continued for nine hours. Finally, the district administration pacified the agitated mob late in the evening.