A protest by sugarcane farmers in Karnataka’sBagalkote district turned violent on Thursday. More than 100 tractors filled with sugarcane were set on fire inside the premises of the Godavari Sugars Factory, creating a scene of panic and confusion.

Videos and reports from the spot showed long rows of tractors burning, with huge flames and thick black smoke rising over the area. Two motorcycles were also set on fire during the chaos.

Police officers who reached the location were heavily outnumbered by the crowd. This made it difficult for the district administration to control the situation quickly. Superintendent of Police Siddharth Goyal was seen at the site, leading efforts to bring the situation under control.

However, farmer leader Subhash Shirabur strongly denied that farmers were involved in the burning of the tractors. He claimed that people “connected to the factory” carried out the arson while police were present.
 “We did not set fire to the tractors,” he said. “Stones were thrown from their side. Our farmers and even police personnel were injured.”

He further alleged that the violence was deliberately planned to blame the farmers and damage their reputation. According to him, those responsible also targeted police vehicles and farmers during the incident.

The violence happened during an ongoing disagreement between sugarcane farmers and the government over the price of sugarcane. Farmers in Mudhol have been demanding ₹3,500 per tonne, while the government recently revised the price to ₹3,300, which was accepted by farmers in Belagavi last week. But Mudhol farmers refused to accept the lower rate.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of protesters had taken out a massive rally with tractors, bullock carts, and even auto-rickshaws joining in. The crowd marched from Sangolli Rayanna Circle, raising slogans for a fair and better price for their produce.

Following the violence, the district administration has imposed Section 144 (prohibitory orders) in Jamkhandi, Rabkavi-Banahatti, and Mudhol taluks. Deputy Commissioner Sangappa issued the order to maintain peace and bring the situation under control.

Additional police forces from Vijayapura, Belagavi, and nearby districts have been called in as a precaution to prevent further unrest. The situation remains tense as authorities continue efforts to restore normalcy in the region.