Leaders of some farmers associations have complained that the former Minister S.S. Mallikarjun is trying to forcibly obtain farmland for some industrial projects in Vijayapura district.

General secretary of Akhand Karnataka Raitha Sangha Aravind Kulkarni and Ravindragouda Patil told reporters in Vijayapura on Tuesday that farmers are suffering as they fear loss of fertile land.

“Mr. Mallikarjun is using undue influence over officers to snatch 66 acres of farmland of 12 farmers in Lingadalli and Kambagi villages in Vijayapura district. He has directed officers to force farmers to part with their land. We are not opposed to industrialisation of Vijayapura district,” Mr. Kulkarni said.

“But, it should be done within the framework of laws and farmers should get due compensation. Indian Cane Power Ltd. owned by Mr. Mallikarjun is trying to set up sugar factories by forcibly taking over farmland,” Mr. Kulkarni said.

He said that complaints by Mr. Patil and other farmers to officers have not been acted upon.

Mr. Kulkarni and Mr. Patil sought intervention by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the matter.

Meanwhile, an email sent to Indian Cane Power Ltd. seeking a reaction to the charge has not fetched any response so far.