Farmers entering the Baldota factory premises as their agitation escalates in Koppal on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
A protest organised as part of the 46th Farmers’ Martyrs’ Day turned tense near the Baldota factory on the Koppal-Bengaluru National Highway on Tuesday after hundreds of farmers breached the factory premises by breaking sections of the compound wall and damaging the main gate.
The protesters, who had taken out a rally from Gavi Mutt through the city before reaching the factory at Basapur, raised slogans against the company and demanded that the Basapur lake, located inside the factory premises, be opened to the public.
Despite heavy police deployment, farmers broke through the compound wall at multiple points and entered the premises. Another group forced its way in through the factory’s main gate, damaging it in the process. A youth jumped into the lake inside the factory premises and was rescued by the police.
The police personnel attempted to stop the protesters, leading to brief scuffles 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 outside the factory, where farmer leaders accused the company of causing environmental pollution and reiterated their demand for public access to the lake.
The protest drew participation from several farmers’ organisations across the State.
Security was tightened in and around the factory, and the situation remained tense throughout the day.
Published – July 21, 2026 07:28 pm IST
