The village of Manchehalli in Karnataka witnessed a tense standoff between protesters and a stone quarry owner on Wednesday. The situation escalated into violence when Saklesh S., owner of the quarry, allegedly fired at a group of villagers protesting against the construction of a road for quarry stone transportation.
Background
The dispute between the villagers and the quarry owner began when the former expressed their opposition to the construction of the road for trucks carrying quarry stones. The villagers claimed that the road would lead to water and air pollution, as well as affect the fodder and crops due to the dust.
- The villagers have been protesting against the construction of the road for some time, citing the environmental concerns.
- The quarry owner, Saklesh S., had initially agreed to divert the route but later changed his mind.
- Despite the opposition, Saklesh S. and his supporters continued with the construction of the road.
A heated argument ensued between the villagers and Saklesh S. on Wednesday, after he brought in the machinery for the construction of the road. The argument turned violent, with Saklesh S. allegedly firing at the protesting farmers. Ravikumar, a 38-year-old farmer, was injured and collapsed due to the bullet.
Police Response
The police responded quickly to the incident, arresting Saklesh S. and seizing the weapon used in the firing. The arrested Saklesh S. was charged with attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, rioting, voluntarily causing hurt, and under the Arms Act.
| Charges | Crimes | Penalties |
|---|---|---|
| Attempt to murder | Unlawful assembly | Voluntarily causing hurt |
| Under the Arms Act |
The police have deployed personnel to maintain law and order in the village, ensuring a safe environment for the residents.
Environmental Impact
The villagers have been protesting against the construction of the road due to the environmental concerns. The road would lead to water and air pollution, as well as affect the fodder and crops due to the dust. The villagers have been voicing their concerns about the impact on the environment and the community.
Quarry Owner’s Response
The quarry owner, Saklesh S., has responded to the allegations by stating that he had initially agreed to divert the route but later changed his mind. However, the villagers claim that he had not informed them about the change in plans.
“Saklesh S. had agreed to divert the route but later changed his mind without informing us. We had trusted him and were not aware of the change in plans,” said one of the villagers.
The police have assured the villagers that they will take necessary action to ensure that the quarry owner adheres to the environmental regulations and respects the rights of the community.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the importance of community participation in decision-making processes. The villagers’ protest was a testament to their commitment to protecting their environment and community. The police response has shown that they take environmental concerns seriously and will take necessary action to ensure that the quarry owner adheres to the regulations.
news is a contributor at BudgetRock. We are committed to providing well-researched, accurate, and valuable content to our readers.
