Rannuchawk (Bhagalpur), April 14: Six farmers, including two women, tried to immolate themselves in public around 12noon in Rannuchawk on Tuesday.

According to sources, the tillers took the extreme step after getting no assurance from the administration of help or compensation for losses incurred owing to Monday's sudden thundershower.

Police, however, managed to restrain the six - Avhimanu Roy, Rajaram Roy, Madan Kumar Roy, Ashok Kumar Roy, Sampatti Devi and Sangita Devi - after they poured kerosene oil on themselves in front of a mob numbering around 1,000.

The incident occurred in front of a State Bank of India branch.

On April 12, the six had intimated the district administration of committing suicide after they lost their standing crops owing to inclement weather.

The cops detained the six for over two hours. "I had taken nearly Rs 2 lakh loan from the bank. I was sure of returning the money after harvest but the rain ruined everything. I have no option but to commit suicide," said Sangita.

Avhimanu said they face vagaries of nature in the form of drought or floods every year but the government hardly provides relief.

"I too had taken a loan from the bank. Now, how will I pay back the amount?" he said.

After the incident, Rannuchawk was virtually converted into a police camp.

Senior district officials such as Bhagalpur deputy commissioner (land revenue) Subir Ranjan, Nathnagar circle officer Tarun Keshri and additional superintendent of police (ASP) Bina Kumari tried to pacify the villagers.

"We are continuously given false assurances by the government. Since we don't have any other option, we were compelled to take such a step," said Lallan Kumar, a farmer.

Bhagalpur district magistrate Birendra Prasad Yadav was not available for comment but Ranjan assured the villagers of adequate compensations.

"I will report the matter to district officials concerned who would forward it to the state headquarters," he said, assuring the villagers.

ASP Bina said all the six were later set free.

According to a report compiled by the district agriculture department, Rabi crops worth around Rs 22.4 crore was destroyed owing to rain.