Bengaluru/Tumakuru: After tensions escalated in the Tumakuru district of Karnataka, following a violent protest against the Hemavati Link Canal project, the Gubbi police have registered at least 11 FIRs (First Information Reports) with more expected as investigations continue.
The protest, led by farmers and supported by opposition leaders, arose from concerns that the canal project threatens the water supply for Tumakuru’s agricultural lands by diverting water to Bengaluru’s Ramanagara district. Protestors reportedly vandalized construction equipment and clashed with police, leading to arrests and the filing of FIRs, including BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda.
While Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed District In-charge Minister G Parameshwara to address the concerns, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has defended it. Local Congress MLA S R Srinivas has voiced support for the farmers’ concerns while condemning the violence. The situation remains tense as authorities grapple with balancing development goals and the needs of the local agricultural community.
