Two legislators on fast-unto-death against corruption

Bangalore, Jan 21 (UNI) Two Congress legislators Shivananda Patil and Ramareddy from Bijapur continued their fast-unto-death for the ninth day, demanding an inquiry into alleged corruption in Shivakumar Swamiji Sugar Factory, Herebevanur in Indi Taluk of their district.

The agitation, which commenced on January 13 in Bijapur, was shifted to Bangalore to attract government attention.

They demanded the government to release Rs 15 crore to help the sugarcane farmers who, due to closure of the cactory, could not repay bank loan for the last three years.

Mr Patil said that if the state government could not provide the funds, it could at least extend soft loans. ''The soft loan would be utilised for the revival of the Factory and return the loan from profit earned in future,'' he added.

He said that 196 farmers had purchased shares by taking loan from Siddheshwar Bank, Bijapur and also by selling part of their lands, but they could not repay the loan till date due to closure of the factory. Some farmers had taken loan by mortgaging their land to the Bank.

He also demanded the appointment of a Retired High Court Judge or House Committee to probe into the irregularities committed in the affairs of the factory.

The Sugar Factory has the capacity to crush the cane of 1750 tonnes and there was a need to expand it further. At present, sugar cane grown in the area was sent to neighbouring Maharashtra.

UNI