A group of electronic media persons allegedly made a farmer in Ballari, stage a suicide bid in front of the camera.
According to sources in Ballari, the video was taken at Kurglagundi village in Ballari taluk in the district. The video has gone viral and has reportedly sparked outrage in the social media.
According to TNIE report, this was allegedly planned by Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene district president Darur Purushottham Goudgot, after a farmer in Korglagundi village was said to have destroyed his six acres of chilli crop as it was withering for want of water. One of the farmer leaders gave a hint to the media who then came to the spot to cover the event.
The video has 15 people, including a man with a camera. An aged man with a can, which supposedly has poison, is asked to drink from it and the others around try to stop him from doing so. The cameraman intervenes repeatedly and asks them to re-enact at various speeds so he can get a better shot. The cameraperson asks the others not to look at the camera so that he can get a candid shot. During the enactment, there are many camera clicks heard in the background. Later, the farmer is also heard asking whether it was done.
The Hindu reported that the farmer, who was made to fake his suicide, is Kurubara Kumarappa.
Superintendent of Police Chethan R told The News Minute that the police have to verify the video before taking action.
“We can take up a case immediately if anyone, family of the farmer or public, files a complaint in this regard,” he said.