The complaint alleged that the protesters assaulted security personnel deployed at the Baldota factory in Koppal on Tuesday (July 21).
\| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Six persons, including writer Allamaprabhu Bettadur and leaders of various farmers’ organisations, have been booked by the Koppal Rural police for allegedly trespassing onto the premises of the Baldota factory in Koppal, instigating farmers to demolish the main gate and compound wall, and participating in the violence.

The FIR was registered following a complaint lodged by M. Mahesh, a representative of the company, after a protest was organised by the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha outside the company’s premises on Tuesday (July 21) to mark Farmers’ Martyrs’ Day.

According to the complaint, the accused allegedly provoked farmers to enter the company premises and demolish the main gate and compound wall. The complaint also alleged that the protesters assaulted security personnel deployed at the site.

Those named in the FIR are Mr. Bettadur, Raitha Sangha district president Bhimasena Kalakeri, District Bachao Andolana Samiti convener Mallikarjun Gonal, Mookappa N. Mestri, Manglesh Rathod and Yamanurappa Halalli.

During the protest, farmer leaders had demanded that Basapur Lake, located within the company’s premises, be opened for public use. Hundreds of protesters later damaged the compound wall and the main entrance of the company.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened on the company’s premises following warnings by protest leaders that farmers could attempt to enter the lake area at any time. A large contingent of police personnel has been deployed, and round-the-clock vigil is being maintained to prevent any untoward incident.

Published - July 22, 2026 06:58 pm IST