In a distressing incident, a vehicle carrying 2,000 kg of tomatoes to a market in Bengaluru was robbed by unidentified miscreants, leaving farmers and authorities concerned. The incident occurred on July 8 within the jurisdiction of the RMC Yard police station near Chikkajala.
According to the police, the farmer was transporting his tomato produce from Hiriyur town in Chitradurga to the Kolar market when the incident took place. Three miscreants in a car followed the tomato-laden vehicle, waylaying it along the way. They allegedly assaulted the farmer and the driver, claiming that their own vehicle had been hit.
Demanding money, the miscreants forced the victims to transfer funds to their mobile accounts online. Subsequently, the robbers boarded the tomato-laden vehicle and drove away, leaving the farmer and the driver stranded on the roadside.
In response to the incident, the RMC Yard Police are diligently collecting CCTV footage from nearby areas to aid in the identification of the miscreants involved.
The robbery comes at a time when tomato prices in Karnataka have soared, reaching as high as Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kilogram. Distressed by the escalating prices and increasing incidents of theft, farmers have resorted to erecting tents and taking turns to guard their tomato crops from further invasions by miscreants looking to profit from the lucrative market.
The incident highlights the plight faced by farmers who are already grappling with challenges such as price fluctuations, weather uncertainties, and market volatility. Such incidents of theft not only cause financial losses but also disrupt the livelihoods of these hardworking individuals who rely on their agricultural produce for income.
Authorities and law enforcement agencies are urged to take prompt action in apprehending the culprits involved in the tomato robbery. Strengthening security measures and enhancing surveillance in agricultural areas can play a vital role in curbing such incidents and ensuring the safety of farmers and their produce.
The agricultural community, along with relevant stakeholders, continues to advocate for improved support and safeguards to protect their livelihoods and ensure a fair and stable marketplace for their products. Efforts are needed to address the challenges faced by farmers and foster an environment that encourages sustainable agricultural practices and economic growth for all stakeholders involved.
Sources By Agencies
