Farmers disturb the Baldota factory premises during a protest in Koppal

Farmers entering the premises of Baldota factory in Koppal on Tuesday are escalating their agitation. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A protest organized as part of the 46th Martyrs’ Farmers’ Day turned violent near the Baldota factory on the Koppal-Bengaluru state highway on Tuesday after hundreds of farmers entered the factory premises by breaking parts of the enclosure wall and damaging the main gate.

Rallying from the Gavi Mutt across the city before reaching the Basapur factory, the protesters raised anti-company slogans and demanded that the Basapur lake, located on the factory premises, be opened to the public.

Despite heavy police deployment, the farmers breached the wall at several places and entered the premises. Another group broke in through the factory’s main gate, damaging it in the process. The young man jumped into the lake on the factory premises and was rescued by the police.

Police personnel tried to stop the protesters, leading to brief skirmishes between the police and the agitating farmers.

Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi and other senior officials present at the spot tried to bring the situation under control. A large public rally was held in front of the factory where farmer leaders accused the company of environmental pollution and reiterated their demand for public access to the lake.

The protest attracted participation from several farmers’ organizations across the state.

Security was tightened in and around the factory and the situation remained tense throughout the day.

Published – 21 Jul 2026 19:28 IST