A farmer in Chhattisgarh's Baloda Bazar district was admitted to hospital after allegedly consuming pesticide amid claims that a revenue official demanded a bribe to release a tractor seized during an action against illegal sand transportation. The incident, reported from Chantipali village in Kasdol block, has sparked political reactions and prompted a formal administrative inquiry. Family members of the farmer have accused a woman Nayab Tehsildar of seeking ₹50,000 in exchange for releasing the vehicle, while the officer has categorically denied the allegations and maintained that the action was carried out in accordance with the law.

The farmer, identified as Kamal Ogra, was rushed to a community health centre after his condition deteriorated. Medical officials later confirmed that he was out of danger and recovering following timely treatment.

Allegations Over Tractor Seizure

According to the farmer's family, Kamal Ogra's son Raj Ogra was returning with a tractor loaded with sand from the Mahanadi river when the vehicle was intercepted during an enforcement drive. The family alleges that the tractor was seized and that a demand for ₹50,000 was made for its release.

Raj Ogra claimed that two other tractors detained during the same operation were later released, while his vehicle remained impounded. He alleged that his family was unable to arrange the money being sought and that the continued seizure of the tractor caused significant distress.

After learning about the situation, Kamal Ogra reportedly reached the spot and later consumed pesticide when the vehicle was not released.

Financial Stress and Hospitalisation

Family members said the farmer had already been facing financial difficulties and was under considerable pressure due to the loss of access to the tractor, which played an important role in his livelihood.

Following the incident, he was admitted to the Community Health Centre in Kasdol. According to medical authorities, prompt treatment helped stabilize his condition.

Hospital officials stated that the farmer's health is improving and that he remains under observation.

Political Reaction and Inquiry Demand

The incident attracted attention from local political leaders, including Congress MLA Sandeep Sahu, who visited the hospital and met the farmer.

The legislator called for an impartial investigation into the allegations. He stated that if any public official was found involved in illegal monetary demands, appropriate action should be taken after a fair inquiry.

The MLA also sought a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the tractor seizure, sand transportation, and the bribery allegations.

Officer Rejects Allegations

Nayab Tehsildar Akanksha Tiwari has denied all accusations against her. She stated that the enforcement action was conducted strictly according to legal procedures and that no bribe was demanded from anyone.

The officer further claimed that she had been carrying out anti-illegal mining operations under instructions from senior authorities and had received threats during the course of the drive.

According to her, all vehicles seized during the operation lacked valid documents or royalty permits required for mineral transportation.

Collector Orders Investigation

Following the controversy, Baloda Bazar Collector Kuldeep Sharma ordered an official inquiry into the matter. The district administration has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) to investigate the allegations and submit a report within three days.

Officials said the findings of the inquiry will determine whether any irregularities occurred and whether the allegations of bribery have any factual basis. Until then, authorities have urged the public to await the outcome of the investigation.