Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Karnataka CM Orders Probe into Sugarcane Tractor Arson During Farmers' Protest
Farmers in Karnataka were protesting because they wanted more money for their sugarcane, asking for ₹3,500 for every ton.
The government had decided on a price of ₹3,300 per ton, which most farmers accepted, but some in the Mudhol region continued to protest.
During a protest on Thursday night, many tractors filled with sugarcane were set on fire at a sugar factory.
The Chief Minister has been informed and has ordered an investigation into who is responsible for the burning.
While farmers say they did not do it, the situation is tense due to the violence.
Thousands of tons of sugarcane were destroyed in the fire, causing a major controversy.
Over 50 tractors loaded with sugarcane were set on fire during a farmers' protest in Bagalkote district, Karnataka.
The protest was part of farmers' demands for Rs 3,500 per tonne for sugarcane, while the government has fixed the price at Rs 3,300 per tonne.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered an investigation into the incident and promised action against those found guilty.
Farmers, particularly from the Mudhol region, have been protesting the government-fixed price, with some farmers denying involvement in the arson.
The incident has triggered a major controversy, with Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy criticizing the state government's handling of the crisis.
- Who
- Sugarcane farmers, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy.
- What
- A protest by sugarcane farmers demanding higher prices turned violent with over 50 tractors loaded with sugarcane being set on fire; the Chief Minister ordered an investigation.
- When
- Thursday night.
- Where
- Sanganakatti Cross near Mahalingapura town, Bagalkote district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Dispute over sugarcane pricing, with farmers demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne and the government having fixed it at Rs 3,300 per tonne.
Government & Factory Allegedly
Farmers
Responsibility for Arson
Government & Factory Allegedly
The Chief Minister stated that farmers have clarified they are not responsible and an investigation is underway to find and punish the guilty. While not explicitly stated, the implication is that others, potentially connected to the factory or external elements, may be responsible. The government fixed the sugarcane price at Rs 3,300 per tonne, which most farmers across the state have accepted.
Farmers
Farmers are demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne from sugar factories and were protesting this price. A farmer leader denied farmer involvement in the arson, suggesting that individuals connected to the factory might be responsible and initiated stone-pelting.
Sugarcane Pricing Dispute
Government & Factory Allegedly
The state government has fixed the sugarcane price at Rs 3,300 per tonne after discussions with farmers and factory owners. The Chief Minister urged farmers from the Mudhol region to accept this rate.
Farmers
Farmers, particularly from the Mudhol region, are dissatisfied with the government-fixed price of Rs 3,300 per tonne and are demanding Rs 3,500 per tonne. They insisted on talks solely with factory owners.
- Incident
- Over 50 sugarcane-laden tractors set on fire.
- Location
- Sanganakatti Cross near Mahalingapura town, Bagalkote district, Karnataka (near Mudhol).
- Date of Incident
- Thursday night
- Farmers' Demand
- Rs 3,500 per tonne for sugarcane.
- Government Fixed Price
- Rs 3,300 per tonne.
- Government Response
- Chief Minister ordered an investigation; urged Mudhol farmers to accept the fixed price.
- Allegations
- Farmers deny responsibility for arson; suggest factory-connected individuals.
Sources
Bagalkot farmers’ protest turns violent: 20 tractors carrying sugarcane set ablaze near Mudhol
Tractors carrying sugarcane set on fire in Mudhol amid farmers protest
Over 15 sugarcane trolleys torched as farmers’ protest turns violent in Karnataka’s Bagalkot
Tractors carrying sugarcane set on fire in Karnataka during farmers' protest
Sugarcane farmers’ protest turns violent in Karnataka’s Bagalkot district
Tension grips Mudhol taluk: Tractors carrying sugarcane torched amid farmers’ protest
Six arrested for stone-pelting during sugarcane farmers’ protest
Section 144 imposed in Karnataka’s district after 100 sugarcane-loaded tractors set on fire
