Student found dead in farmer-dad’s field

Hyderabad: An Intermediate I student was found dead under suspicious circumstances near his father's agricultural field in Mahbubnagar on Monday. The body of M. Ramesh, 17, was found with its feet tied and a pesticide bottle was found near his body.

His parents, farmers Narasimhulu and Yellamma of Bolvonipallu in Kosigi Mandal, alleged that he was forced to consume pesticide by their relatives, who are also farmers. Ramesh was their youngest son and a student of Pragna Junior College in Kosgi. His parents own five acres in the village. Since the crop is ripe for harvest, Mr Narasimhulu stays overnight at the fields to guard it against wild boars.

At about 5 am, Ramesh went to their field to relieve himself. An hour later, his elder brother Ashok went to the field where he found Ramesh’s body. “Hearing Ashok screaming, Narasimhulu and other farmers rushed to the spot.” said Kodangal inspector Vishwa Prasad. “We are not sure if he committed suicide or someone forced him to consume pesticide,” he said.

Police registered a case of suspicious death under Section 174 of the IPC and began investigations.  The parents allege that their relatives with whom they have a dispute over 20 acres of inherited land had killed Ramesh.