Chikkaballapur, 29 April

A major clash broke out between the farmers and police in front of the District Administration Office in Chikkaballapur district. Two farmers were injured in the incident, with one sustaining serious injuries and currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The farmers were on an indefinite protest against the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) land acquisition process in Jangamakote Hobli of Chikkaballapur district’s Shidlaghatta taluk, which turned tense on Wednesday.

They were allegedly unhappy that the District Minister, MC Sudhakar, had not visited the farmers despite over a month of protests and attempted to breach a police barricade.

Police attempted to control the protest, leading to allegations of manhandling and physical assault. It is also reported that some farmers were allegedly dragged by their collars during the incident.

Farmers opposing the land acquisition expressed fears of losing their livelihood.

Kumar, one of the protestors, alleged, “We have repeatedly requested the district minister and MLA to visit the spot and accept our memorandum, but they have not responded. Today, more than 500 police personnel were deployed, and a lathi charge was carried out.”

Farmers expressed strong dissatisfaction against the district administration, alleging that authorities are ignoring genuine farmers while extending support to “fake farmers,” and failing to understand the ground realities.

The “fake farmers” were likely a reference to farmers who have given their land to the government.