Police baton charge protesting farmers

Nalgonda: The police on Monday baton charged farmers, who tried to stop the works of Cherlagudem reservoir. The farmers demanded that the government pay suitable compensation on par with Mallanasagar project oustees.

As per sources, respective contractor of Cherlagudemreservior of Nampallymandal in the district arrived at the venue with proper equipment and man power but, the farmers, who have been demanding suitable compensation and staging dharna at the reservoir for the last one month, obstructed the works.

On information, police under the aegis of Devarakonda CI BalaGangi Reddy rushed to the spot and tried to control the situation. During the tussle, the police exchanged war of words with the farmers followed by scuffling. To disperse the farmers police baton charged them and in retaliation farmers including women attacked the police with bamboo sticks. As many as 10 farmers and CI BalaGangiReddy sustained injuries.

Women,who suffered injuries in police caning, expressed anger over the government and questioned the district administration over the promise of starting of works of reservoir after settlement of compensation.

The Congress, the BJP and other Opposition leaders condemned the baton charge on farmers and demanded that stern action be taken against the police.