AGARTALA, June 29 (TIWN): On being inquired by OSD to Chief Minister Biplab Deb, the District Magistrate of Khowai R.Dutta has rubbished report on starvation-death published in Bengali newspaper “Daily Desher Katha” (DDK), a mouthpiece of CPI-M, published from CPI-M State Headquarter complex in Melarmath.

After the report came in DDK newspaper, OSD ordered investigation and Khowai DM has given details of the transactions held between Govt and the family of suicide victim Hemamala Debbarma, who was claimed for dying due to poverty. The report shows Govt did as much as a Govt can do to a single family.

The official statement of the Khowai DM says, “News was published in the newspaper to the effect that one Hemamala Debbarma of Badlabari, under Tulashikhar RD Block aged about 34 years, leaving 5 survivors due to oleander poisoning, since they were not in a position to purchase eatables. The matter was endorsed to BDO, Tulashikhar for enquiry. According to him, this is not a fact that for want of food she had to die”.

During enquiry, the BDO came to know that the family withdrawn 30 kg rice from F.P shop on 10.06.2019 and during this month, 17 mandays were given under MGNREGA of which 8 were already paid (Rs. 1,536). It has also bank transaction records.

This official report has dismissed DDK’s news as “Fake”.