A tragic incident unfolded in Channarayapatna, Devanahalli, as a 55-year-old farmer named Venkatesh faced the devastating prospect of losing three acres of his land to an industrial project. Amidst a protest against the land acquisition, Venkatesh reportedly consumed poison, sending shockwaves through the community. He was swiftly taken for treatment at Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, where his condition remains under close observation.
The protest that led to this heart-wrenching event has been ongoing for a staggering 1,000 days. A group of farmers, including Venkatesh, have been vehemently opposing the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) plan to acquire 1,777 acres of land for an industrial project. Despite their persistent efforts, the farmers found themselves caught in a distressing situation with no immediate resolution in sight.
Challenges and Unfulfilled Promises
The farmers’ struggle took a bleak turn during the last Assembly elections when they threatened to boycott the polls unless the government intervened to cancel the project. In response, authorities assured the protestors that their demands would be met, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution. However, as time passed, those promises remained unfulfilled, leaving the farmers disillusioned and disheartened.
As tensions escalated on Thursday morning, a group of farmers made a pivotal decision to seek an audience with the district in-charge Minister K.H. Muniyappa in a bid to voice their concerns. However, their plans were abruptly halted when police intercepted two buses transporting over 100 farmers headed towards the Minister’s residence in Sanjay Nagar. This unexpected turn of events led to a spontaneous protest near the police station, where emotions ran high.
An Agonizing Turn of Events
Amidst the chaos of the protest, Venkatesh, a dedicated participant in the ongoing agitation, made a fateful choice to consume poison as a desperate act of defiance. The severity of the situation became apparent as his fellow farmers rushed to his aid, ensuring that he received immediate medical attention. Anjaneya Reddy, a prominent farmer leader, recounted the harrowing turn of events, highlighting the gravity of Venkatesh’s actions and the subsequent rush to save his life.
Despite the grave nature of the incident, there have been no formal charges filed in connection with Venkatesh’s decision to consume poison. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this distressing event, the focus remains on Venkatesh’s recovery and the underlying issues that continue to plague the farmers in Channarayapatna. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty and challenges, underscoring the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the farmers’ grievances and ensures their well-being.
As the sun sets on yet another day of turmoil and unrest in Channarayapatna, the echoes of Venkatesh’s act reverberate through the community, serving as a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by those fighting for their land and livelihoods. The road to justice and resolution may be long and arduous, but the resilience and determination of the farmers remain unwavering in the face of adversity.
