Bantwal: Courts acquits farmers accused in police clashes during 2005

Bellevision Media Network

Bantwal, 03 Dec 2014: The farmers’ fraternity in the taluk overjoyed on court judgment that acquitted 21 farmers who were accused of clashing with policemen during the protest staged at the leadership of farm laborers and river water users Forum against state utility provider MESCOM for restraining drawing water from river for irrigation purposes and indefinite power-cut 9 years ago.
 
The river water users Forum led the protest here during 2005 against MESCOM for restraining drawing river water for irrigation purposes by the farmers. The farmers clashed with police who were posted in front of MESCOM office during the protest. Sanjeev Naik, the then circle inspector ordered the police to lathi charge on agitating farmers. Several farmers were injured in lathi charge by the police.

 

 
The police registered cases on struggle Committee president Sarapady Subbanna Shetty, Jayaram Krishna Polali, Venkateshwar Bhat, Sarapady Ashok Shetty, Babu Master, Anantakrishna Bhat, Purushottam Poojary, Marcel Gonselves, Karunakar Alva, Sasidar Poojary, Vishwanat Shetty, Venkateshwar Bhat, Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Sheena Ballal, Vasant Prabhu, Sasidar Poojary, Vishwanat Shetty, Venkateshwar Bhat, Gopalakrishna Prabhu, B R Narayan Bhat, Damodar Gowda, Ramanna Bangera, Ashok Kumar Barimar, Rajesh Rai, Sasindra Acharya altogether 21 people. 
 
The farmers obtained anticipatory bail from district sessions court on April 20 2013. As the court proceedings progressed, several attempts to settle the issue amicably but in vain. In the later development, Sullia police circle inspector Sudarshan filed the report in the court. Despite the then CM B S Yeddyurappa announced to withdraw the farmers cases filed in courts across the state, this case was not withdrawn. The efforts further made to withdraw this case with the then CM D V Sadanand Gowda, it was not withdrawn citing there was complaint from farmers to human rights commission in this regard.
 
Meanwhile, its after long proceedings, the court acquitted the farmers citing lack of witnesses. The advocate Jayaram Rai contested on behalf of farmers.
 
Speaking to media persons, the farmers’ veteran leader Sarapady Subbanna Shetty said, ‘It’s the victory for farmers who were framed in the case of clashes on police 9 years ago. The justice prevailed even after delay,’ said Subbanna.
 
The farmers’ leaders who were present on the occasion shared sweets with each other to celebrate the milestone judgment.