Police detain farmers protesting KIADB land transfer near Ballari

Photo: Farmers in Kudutini of Ballari district were arrested on MondayBallari: Police on Monday detained hundreds of farmers and land rights activists near Kuduthini village in Ballari district during a protest against the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board's (KIADB) decision to transfer land to Jindal.The protest, which has continued for nearly 1,200 days, relates to thousands of acres acquired from farmers over a decade ago for industrial development that, protesters said, never materialised. Farmers alleged the land was acquired 13 years ago at throwaway prices with assurances of factories and jobs, but remained unused. They have been demanding that the land be returned to the original owners.Tensions escalated after KIADB decided to allot a portion of the disputed land to Jindal, triggering intensified demonstrations. Protesters accused the state government of ignoring their long-standing agitation and criticised elected representatives for failing to intervene despite repeated representations. They said the administration's response reflected neglect of farmers' concerns.Police said they acted under an injunction order to prevent the gathering and detained the protesters using police vehicles. Arguments reportedly broke out between police personnel and demonstrators during the operation. Several women protesters and leaders were also taken into custody. Heavy security was deployed in the area as police dispersed the protest and cleared the site.