Sugarcane Farmers’ Protest Turns Violent in Karnataka; Over 100 Tractors Torched, Siddaramaiah Blames BJP for Instigation

Bagalkot, Karnataka: A massive protest by sugarcane farmers in Bagalkot spiraled into violence on Friday, with over 100 sugarcane-laden tractors set ablaze inside the premises of Godavari Sugars Factory. Thick smoke engulfed the area as flames spread rapidly through the rows of tractors. Two motorcycles were also torched, creating chaos and panic in the region.

The district administration struggled to control the situation due to the initially low police presence, prompting additional forces to be deployed. Stone-pelting and a subsequent lathi-charge added to the unrest, leaving the area tense for hours.

Farmers Deny Involvement, Allegations Against Factory Staff

Farmer leader Subhash Shirabur denied the involvement of farmers in the arson, alleging instead that individuals associated with the factory had triggered the violence in the presence of senior police officials.
He claimed that the attack, including stone-pelting on farmers and police, was aimed at defaming the protest movement.

Dispute Over Sugarcane Price Sparks Unrest

The clash comes amid an ongoing standoff between sugarcane farmers and the state government over pricing.
Farmers in Mudhol are demanding ₹3,500 per tonne, refusing to accept the recently revised ₹3,300 per tonne rate agreed upon by Belagavi farmers.

Section 144 Imposed, Heavy Police Deployment Ordered

Prior to the violence, thousands of protesters had led a massive tractor-bullock cart rally through Mudhol, demanding a fair price.
Following the incident, Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in Jamkhandi, Rabkavi-Banahatti, and Mudhol taluks.
The district administration also called for reinforcements from Vijayapura, Belagavi and nearby regions to restore normalcy.

CM Siddaramaiah Orders Probe, Accuses BJP of Inciting Farmers

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah condemned the violence and assured a thorough investigation to identify the culprits.
He noted that while most farmers across the state had accepted the price of ₹3,300 per tonne, only the Mudhol group remained dissatisfied.
When asked about political provocation, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of instigating unrest, saying:
“BJP has no other work except provoking people.”

BNSS Section 163 Invoked: Protests Banned Until November 16

Bagalkot’s Deputy Commissioner invoked Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, banning protests, strikes and public gatherings until 8 AM on November 16.

Police Claim Incident Was Pre-Planned

Police officials, including ADGP R. Hitendra, suggested the arson was pre-planned.
According to the police, the rioters carried petrol and other flammable materials, indicating deliberate sabotage by miscreants hiding among the farmers.

Initial investigation reports state that:

• 30+ tractor-trolleys,
• 4 motorcycles, and
• 6 tractor engines
  were damaged in the blaze.

The situation is now under control, with heavy police deployment across affected areas.

Highways Blocked in Vijayapura

Meanwhile, in Vijayapura district, farmers demanding a minimum price of ₹3,500 per tonne blocked National Highway-52, burning tyres and halting traffic.