Police resort to lathi charge to disperse agitating farmers

Gulbarga, May 18 (UNI) Police today resorted to lathi charge to disperse a group of farmers, who launched "fast on to death" in front of the Tahasildar office at Jewargi, about 40 km from here, demanding action against former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior Congress leader N Dharma Singh.

Police said that Raitu Horata Samithi leader Kedarlingaiah Hiremath was contesting as an independent candidate from Jewargi constituency, from where Dharam Singh is contesting to retain the seat.

The agitation was in protest against alleged distribution of money to influence voters by Mr Singh.

Mr Hiremath has lodged a complaint in this regard with the Election Officer.

Police resorted to lathi charge to disperse the agitators. No one was injured in the lathi charge.

Talking to media Hiremath alleged that Dharam Singh promised in a number of villages that he would donate huge money to construct temples. He said that despite brought to the notice of election officers, no action had been taken so far.

The police took 15 persons into custody in this connection and registered two criminal cases against them.

The situation in Jewargi was stated to be peaceful and under control, police said.

UNI DP MSP TS2112