Karnataka: Tension after Navalgund agitator dies

Hubballi: The death of Kallappa Alagawadi, 49, who sustained injuries in Navalgund during police action against farmers protesting a delay in settlement of Mahadayi water dispute last year, triggered an agitation by scores of farmers who placed his body in front of "Raitha Bhavan" through the day, seeking action against police officers and payment of ex-gratia to Kallappa's kin, on Wednesday.

Local police officers and tahsildar had a tough time while persuading farmers to withdraw the protest, and allow post-mortem examination of the body.  Kallappa’s kin claimed  he was admitted to SDM hospital in Dharwad on Monday when he complained of respiratory problem. Chest physician Dr Srikant Hiremath, who treated him, however, claimed that he was suffering from tuberculosis.

"The farmer has several wound marks after police assault and it was not completely cured. He could not walk properly and was also mentally depressed as he had borrowed from local money lenders for his treatment. He was engaged in agriculture activity by taking farm land on contract basis from others. He was struggling to meet the expenses of his family, including three children, due to drought for two consecutive years and had stopped eating due to severe depression. Therefore, the government should pay Rs 25 lakhs as ex gratia to his family", said Lokanath Hebasur, a farmers' leader.  The agitation was withdrawn after officials assured and ex gratia of Rs 5 lakhs to the kin of Kallappa.