Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Feb 21: The Udupi District Farmers Association has announced plans to stage a protest at Brahmavar Sugar Factory on February 22, demanding justice over the ongoing sugar factory scrap scam. The protest will begin at 9:30am.

At a press conference on Friday, February 21, farmers’ leader Sadananda Shetty revealed that they have been fighting against corruption at the factory for the past two years. "A Rs 14 cr grant was supposed to be deposited by Royal Traders, but it never happened," Shetty said.

"A case was filed in the Udupi District Court, and the Brahmavar Police Station is investigating, but the state government has not allowed further investigation, leaving the case unresolved."

Shetty called on the government to allow higher authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. "It's not just the missing money, but also equipment and machinery that were illegally removed from the factory, which must be returned to the government," he added.

"There are four separate investigations by the district administration, the cooperation department, the police, and the court, but no justice has been delivered. The government must take action, punish those responsible, and file charges."

The Brahmavar Sugar Factory, which has been closed for several years, was sold with promises of revival and debt clearance. However, allegations suggest that all assets, including machinery, were sold off illegally, and financial records were reportedly manipulated, causing significant losses for the government.

According to Right to Information (RTI) data, around 46 loads (1,174 tons) of materials were sold for Rs 11 cr, including GST. However, information gathered by the Farmers’ Union from government sources suggests that approximately 2,266 tons, valued at Rs 21 cr, were actually transported.

The protest, organised by Pratap Chandra Shetty, will focus on demanding accountability and justice for the financial losses incurred.

Udupi District Farmers Association president Sathish Kini, along with farmer leaders Prakash Shetty, Ashok Kumar Shetty, and others, were present at the press conference.