Jharsuguda A young man committed suicide over a land acquisition dispute.

Jharsuguda: Police and residents reported that a 25-year-old man allegedly took his own life on Tuesday after his family’s ancestral land was allegedly acquired by a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) despite their protests, sparking tension in parts of Jharsuguda district.

The deceased was identified as Sujit Disir, a resident of Ubuda village in the Lakhanpur block. Following his death, family members and locals protested by keeping his body at the Lakhanpur MCL Hospital in Bandhabhal for more than 17 hours, demanding justice.

The family alleged that Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), with the help of the police, forcibly acquired their ancestral land despite opposition from the landowners. They claimed that the acquisition was carried out without providing promised jobs and compensation, forcing Disir to take his own life.

A family member alleged, “MCL went ahead with the acquisition despite our protests and without providing compensation or jobs.”

However, MCL has denied the allegations. General Manager AK Pandey said the company follows the correct process and provides compensation and employment benefits in phases for land acquired for its projects.

He dismissed claims of coercion and said that rights are disbursed in phases as per policy. Officials said the family ended their protest after discussions with MCL officials.

Officials said they are investigating the circumstances of the death.