80 villagers booked for staging protest demanding drinking water

Raichur : Tension prevailed in Lingasugur taluk after police registered an FIR against nearly 80 villagers who staged a protest demanding drinking water in Sarjapura village. The case has now triggered a political and administrative response, with authorities ordering an inquiry into the incident.

According to officials, the protest took place on April 3 when villagers, frustrated over the persistent drinking water crisis, locked the Gram Panchayat office and staged a demonstration. The agitation disrupted official work, following which the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) filed a complaint at the Lingasugur police station. Based on the complaint, a case was registered against 80 villagers on charges including obstruction of duty and alleged misconduct.

The development has drawn the attention of Sharan Prakash Patil, who has taken the matter seriously. During a district-level meeting held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Raichur, the minister directed officials to conduct a thorough जांच into both the drinking water issue and the circumstances under which cases were registered against villagers.

The minister has instructed the Zilla Panchayat CEO to submit a detailed report after examining the ground realities. Officials have also been asked to assess whether the grievances raised by villagers were justified and if administrative lapses contributed to the protest.

Meanwhile, the villagers have expressed anger over the police action, stating that they were left with no option but to protest due to the lack of basic amenities. They have demanded immediate resolution of the drinking water problem and withdrawal of the FIR. In continuation of their protest, villagers also staged a demonstration in front of the Assistant Commissioner’s office in Lingasugur, urging authorities to take corrective measures.

Sources indicate that the water crisis in Sarjapura has been persisting for several weeks, forcing residents to depend on irregular water supply and alternative sources. The incident highlights the growing distress in rural areas over basic infrastructure issues, particularly during the summer months.

With the issue now under official scrutiny, the district administration is expected to take corrective steps soon. However, the FIR against villagers has sparked a broader debate on governance, accountability, and the handling of public grievances.