A farmer allegedly struck a first division clerk (FDC) of the Bagalkot Town Development Authority (BTDA) with a slipper during a protest in Navanagar, Bagalkot, on Saturday. A video of the incident has circulated widely on social media.
Protest Details
The altercation occurred as activists from the Dalit Sangharsh Samiti (DSS) staged a demonstration outside the BTDA office, demanding the allocation of sites for Safai Karmacharis, a matter that had been unresolved for a year.
Farmer's Grievance
Farmer Basappa Doddamani informed DSS activists that his four-acre agricultural land had been submerged in the Krishna River a decade ago, yet BTDA officials had not disbursed compensation. During a verbal confrontation with FDC Neelakanth Ankad, Doddamani removed his slipper and struck him. The situation grew tense momentarily before Ankad retreated to the chairman's chamber.
Chairman's Intervention
BTDA Chairman Prakash Tapashetti arrived at the scene and attempted to placate the farmer. Doddamani alleged that the BTDA had compensated other farmers but not him. DSS activists chanted slogans against the BTDA, criticizing the delay in sanctioning compensation for farmers and sites for Safai Karmacharis.
Police Response
Bagalkot Superintendent of Police Siddarth Goyal stated that BTDA employee Ankad filed a complaint at Navanagar police station, accusing Doddamani of interrupting his official duties and uttering unconstitutional remarks. An investigation is underway.
