Son of farmer who died in JJ hospital refuses to leave without talking to CM

Dharma Patil

The son of Dhule-based farmer Dharma Patil, 84, who died at JJ Hospital yesterday - a week after consuming poison outside Mantralaya on January 22 - said he wouldn't accept the body until his father's demands were met. The octogenarian was protesting the poor compensation he had received for his farmland in Dhule.

Dharma Patil had been battling for life at JJ Hospital PIC/SAMEER MARKANDE

Patil had alleged that the government, which was planning a solar power project in the area, had only paid him R4 lakh for five acres of land. He had been on ventilator support at JJ Hospital for nearly a week, before his condition worsened yesterday. He expired around 7.30 pm. The family, however, has decided to not let Patil's death go in vain. Patil's son, Narendra, told mid-day that he wouldn't accept his father's body until he received a written assurance of justice from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

His son Narendra outside JJ Hospital. PIC/SAMEER MARKANDE

Narendra also denied accepting the R15 lakh compensation promised by the state government last week. Meanwhile, the family has decided to donate Patil's eyes. "Baba died while fighting with the government for justice. He was somebody, who wanted to help people. And, it was his last wish to donate his organs and to be of help to those in need," said Narendra. "Sadly, his other organs were not fit, but doctors told us that we could donate his eyes."

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