Bidadi survey team attacked; two attempted murder cases filed

Police in India's Ramanagara district have registered two attempted murder cases following an alleged attack on government officials conducting a land survey for the proposed Bidadi Township project. The incident occurred in Mandalahalli village, where hundreds of farmers were protesting the project.

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We have not arrested anybody so far and have launched an investigation.

According to officers familiar with the matter, officials deputed by the joint measurement committee were allegedly confronted by local women who struck them with brooms, while others pelted stones at their vehicles. Sub-inspector B. Annaiah confirmed that the cases were registered based on complaints from a government surveyor and Ramanagara Rural police inspector Murali, who sustained injuries during the confrontation.

The situation escalated after a group of villagers supporting the project also arrived at the site, leading to clashes. Police eventually cleared the area and escorted the survey team to safety. Additional police personnel have been deployed to the village to prevent further unrest. The protesting farmers have vowed to continue their agitation until the township proposal is withdrawn, with one protestor stating, "We are ready to sacrifice our lives, but we will never part with our land for the township project."

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We are ready to sacrifice our lives, but we will never part with our land for the township project.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy commented on the situation, claiming that the officials had arrived without informing residents in advance. While acknowledging the farmers' concerns and stating his support, he cautioned against taking the law into one's own hands. Kumaraswamy assured the farmers that legal efforts are ongoing to halt the project and advised against panic, adding that the government was responsible for the "unpleasant situation" and urging police to exercise restraint.

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However, women farmers should not take the law into their own hands. We are with the farmers. Several legal efforts are already under way to stop the township project. There is no need for panic. The government is responsible for creating this unpleasant situation in the village, and the police must also act with restraint.