Bagalkot turns tense as sugarcane farmers’ protest turns violent; over 100 tractors set ablaze, ASP injured in stone-pelting

Bagalkot: The ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest in Bagalkot demanding a price of Rs 3,500 per tonne escalated sharply on Wednesday, triggering widespread unrest in Mudhol and surrounding regions. Tension peaked near the Godavari Sugar Factory at Sameerawadi in Mudhol taluk, where protesters allegedly set fire to over 100 tractor-trailers lined up outside the mill.

According to officials, the situation spiralled out of control when police attempted to disperse the crowd and prevent further damage. In the chaos, stone-pelting erupted, resulting in serious injuries to Bagalkot ASP Mahanteshwar Jiddi, who sustained a deep wound to his leg after a stone struck him with force. He was immediately rushed to a private hospital in Bagalkot for treatment.

Senior district officials, including District In-charge Minister R.B. Thimmapur, Deputy Commissioner Sangappa, and Zilla Panchayat CEO Shashidhar Kurer, visited the hospital and enquired about the ASP’s condition.

The fiery protest site near the sugar factory resembled a battleground, authorities said. Flames engulfed rows of tractors as enraged farmers expressed frustration over the prolonged deadlock with mill owners regarding sugarcane procurement rates.

Despite multiple rounds of talks led by the district administration, including three to four meetings between factory owners and farmer representatives, negotiations have failed to produce a breakthrough.

With the situation deteriorating rapidly, the district administration imposed Section 144 prohibitory orders for three days across Jamkhandi, Rabkavi-Banahatti, and Mudhol taluks to curb further escalation and maintain law and order.

Speaking to reporters, Minister Thimmapur urged both sides to maintain restraint. “Some miscreants have set tractors on fire. I request everyone not to lose patience. We are committed to resolving the issue through dialogue. I am a farmer’s son myself — I understand the hardships farmers face,” he said.

Authorities are monitoring the situation, while additional police forces have been deployed to prevent further violence. A detailed investigation into the arson and stone-pelting incidents is underway.

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