Ramanagara: Farmers protesting against the proposed Integrated Township Project near Bidadi have received significant legal relief after the Ramanagara court granted bail to 25 of them in connection with separate protest-related cases registered in Mandalahalli and Byramangala villages.
The court decision has brought relief to farmers and their families, many of whom had been facing legal proceedings following the demonstrations against the township project. Residents were behind demonstrations that were led by residents who fear losing their agricultural land if the project happens.
The Mandalahalli protest led to criminal cases
The first case was an incident in Mandalahalli where officials had visited the area to conduct a land survey related to the proposed project. Local farmers and women were very resistant to the survey, and worried about the acquisition of their land, the official said.
During the protest, tensions increased, the police said. They claimed that an official vehicle was damaged and that an officer was hurt when he was hit by stones while trying to control the situation. The Bidadi Police registered two separate cases against 12 farmers under the laws.
The accused farmers later approached the Ramanagara JMFC Junior Additional Court for bail.
The court releases bail to 12 farmers
After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, Judge Puttaraju granted bail to all 12 farmers named in the Mandalahalli-related cases.
The agricultural community has welcomed the order, and farmers have argued the protests were in support of their agricultural lands and livelihoods.
Byramangala protest cases
The agitation also spread to nearby Byramangala, where another demonstration was organised by residents against the township proposal.
Police alleged that protesters blocked roads and obstructed government officials from doing their duties. Two additional cases were registered by Bidadi Police in connection with these allegations.
The accused farmers also moved the Ramanagara JMFC Junior Additional Court to seek bail.
Following the hearing, Judge Puttaraju granted bail to 13 farmers in the Byramangala-related cases, bringing the total number of farmers granted bail over both incidents to 25.
The dispute remains with the township project
The protests are connected with the proposed Integrated Township Project of Bidadi, which has been opposed by several villages in that region. Land acquisition and the impact on their livelihoods from that project have been the source of much of the anger among some farmers.
The demonstrations have witnessed the participation of farmers, women and residents who have been calling for a rethink of the project and for the government to cancel it if necessary. Also, political parties have rallied around the issue of farmers protesting the project and various organisations have rallied around them.
Investigation to continue
While the court has granted bail, the criminal cases registered against the farmers are still under investigation. The bail order does not constitute a decision on the allegations, and the legal proceedings will be ongoing as per law.
Authorities will look more closely at the incidents, and farmers have said they would continue to ask for discussions with the government about the future of the proposed township project.
