The confrontation erupted as farmers intensified their week-long agitation for a fixed price of ₹3,500 per tonne, rejecting the ₹3,300 rate offered by sugar mill owners and supported by the government. The protests, ongoing since November 7 across Bagalkot, Mudhol and surrounding areas, have included road blockades and tractor marches.

Bagalkot SP Siddharth Goyal said stone-pelting broke out near the factory premises, injuring police personnel as they attempted to disperse the crowd. “The situation was brought under control,” he said, adding that investigations are underway.

Farmer leader Subhash Shirabur denied that protesters were responsible for the arson. He alleged that individuals linked to the factory deliberately set fire to the tractors “in the presence of police” to discredit the farmers. A police vehicle was also damaged during the unrest.

Following the violence, the district administration banned all gatherings and protests in Jamkhandi, Mudhol and Rabkavi-Banhatti from the night of November 13 until the morning of November 16.

Political pressure mounted as opposition leaders criticised the state government. BJP leader R. Ashok termed the incident “heartbreaking” and accused the Congress government of negligence. State BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra said farmers were being ignored to protect sugar mill owners.

Police have arrested six individuals for alleged involvement in a stone-pelting incident near Hattargi Toll Plaza on November 7. Officials said the accused were not farmers but miscreants attempting to disrupt the protest. More arrests are expected as the investigation continues.

With negotiations stalled, the standoff over sugarcane pricing is expected to intensify in the coming days.