The Karnataka Kabbu Belegarara Sangha is thinking of filing a criminal case against the Malaprabha Sahakara Sakkare Karkhane at M.K. Hubballi in the district in the event of the district administration failing to act against the sugar mill for delaying payment to the sugarcane growers, which led to the suicide of a farmer.
Gurunath Mallappa Chapgaon of Badal Ankalgi of Belagavi taluk committed suicide on Monday allegedly under financial duress and delay in payment for the sugarcane he supplied to the factory, said Sangha State president Kurubar Shanthakumar here on Friday.
Initially demanding that the district administration file a criminal case against the management of the MSSK for failing to pay Gurunath (and hundreds of other sugarcane suppliers) within the stipulated 14 days, he said a final decision would be taken at the meeting of the leaders of various farmers’ associations at Bengaluru on June 15.
The sangha was also planning to stage a fast-unto-death, till Gurunath’s family got justice, in front of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha where the government has announced to hold the monsoon session from July 1.
He said as per the Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, the mill was bound to pay for the sugarcane purchased within 14 days of the date of delivery.
Failing that, the sugar producer was required to pay 15 per cent interest on the amount due for the period of delay beyond 14 days. But, the sugar mill credited the amount to Gurunath’s bank account a day after his death, although he had supplied sugarcane (43 tonnes) on February 25.
He said that the district administration should not only file a criminal complaint against the MSSK but also impose a fine of at least Rs. 25 lakh .
The government should also give Rs.10 lakh as compensation to the bereaved family immediately.
Gurunath Mallappa Chapgaon of Belagavi taluk committed suicide on Monday allegedly under financial duress
