Fri Feb 21 15:45:50 UTC 2025: ## Farmers to Protest Alleged Mismanagement at Karnataka Sugar Factory
**Mangaluru, February 21, 2025** – The Udupi Zilla Raitha Sangha (farmers’ association) announced an indefinite protest beginning February 22nd against alleged irregularities in the sale of scrap at the Dakshina Kannada Cooperative Sugar Factory in Brahmavar, Karnataka.
The Sangha alleges that the factory sold 2,266.06 tons of scrap worth ₹21.92 crore (approximately $266 million USD) over six months in 2022, but only reported 46 loads worth ₹11.36 crore (approximately $140 million USD), resulting in an alleged loss of ₹14 crore (approximately $17 million USD). The association claims that the factory failed to properly categorize and account for different scrap metals, and lacked proper documentation, including e-way bills and gate passes.
A complaint filed with the Brahmavar police in December 2022 was reportedly stalled after the police sought permission from the Home Department in August 2024 to investigate, due to government officials being implicated. Six months later, no permission has been granted. Frustrated by the lack of action, the Sangha is resorting to a sit-in demonstration to demand justice. The factory previously denied the allegations made by both the farmers’ association and Congress leaders.
First Piper 