A 83-year-old farmer Datta Bhiva Thakur from Dhotum village in Uran attempted suicide at CIDCO Bhavan on Tuesday afternoon by consuming pesticide. The act was reportedly in protest against the alleged delay by CIDCO officials in allotting him land under the 12.5% project-affected persons (PAP) scheme.
CIDCO security personnel acted swiftly, rushing Thakur to MGM Hospital in CBD Belapur where he is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. His condition is reported to be stable, according to CBD police.
This is not the first time Thakur has resorted to such extreme action. In October 2021, he attempted self-immolation inside the CIDCO office. Again, just weeks later in November 2021, he consumed pesticide at the same premises in front of officials. Both times, he was hospitalized and survived the attempts.
Refuting Thakur’s allegations of deliberate delay, CIDCO officials issued a statement clarifying that he had been allotted an "Intent Letter" for a plot under the 12.5% PAP scheme on November 8, 2023, through a special lottery. The agency claimed that multiple reminders were sent to Thakur to submit the necessary documents to finalize the allotment, but he has failed to comply till date.
“CIDCO can only execute the land agreement after the required documentation is completed. The onus lies with the allottee,” the statement read.
CIDCO also revealed that Thakur had illegally developed a container yard on CIDCO-owned land near Dhotum village. A few days ago, the unauthorized structure was demolished during an anti-encroachment drive by CIDCO’s Unauthorized Constructions Department.
Sources within CIDCO speculate that the demolition may have triggered Tuesday’s suicide attempt. Thakur’s family members were reportedly present with him at the office during the incident.
"No case is registered and we have only made a note of the incident," senior police inspector Sandesh Revale from CBD Belapur police station said.
