Date:21/01/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/01/21/stories/2007012105290300.htm

Karnataka - Bijapur

MLA's supporter collapses during fast

Staff Correspondent

Shivanand Patil wants probe into alleged irregularities in sugar unit

Health of many on fast has deteriorated

Sugarcane crushing comes to a halt in factory

BIJAPUR: The fast launched by supporters of Basavanabagewadi MLA Shivanand Patil outside the premises of Jnanayogi Shivakumar Sugars Ltd. at Hirebevanur in Indi taluk entered the second week on Saturday even as the MLA continued his fast in front of the Gandhi statue in Bangalore on Saturday.

Honnappa Metri, who is among the 13 persons observing the fast at Hirebevanur, collapsed owing to weakness on Saturday and was admitted to the Indi Taluk Hospital.

According to reports reaching here, the health of some agitators such as Sanganagouda Biradar, Neelkanthgouda Biradar, Shanthappa Andewad, Arjhun Bajantri and M.N. Rojundar had also deteriorated and they were attended to by doctors.

Mr. Patil, who is one of the directors of the factory, and his associates had been demanding a high-level inquiry either by a joint legislative committee or a retired High Court judge into alleged irregularities committed by the governing body of the unit headed by Bijapur MP Basanagouda R. Patil Yatnal.

Meanwhile, sugarcane crushing came to a halt owing to a technical snag though the management suspects sabotage. Managing director B.S. Patil told The Hindu that an iron rod was found in the main machine component.

He said agitators were obstructing the transportation of sugar from the factory.