Overview
- The blaze occurred at the caneyard of Godavari Bio Refineries in Sameerwadi, Bagalkot, and was contained by factory crews and firefighters.
- Police said tractors and trolleys loaded with cane were destroyed or damaged and began collecting evidence at the site.
- Growers in Bagalkot and nearby areas are striking for ₹3,500 per tonne and reject the government’s ₹3,300 price tied to 11.25% recovery.
- Farmer leaders denied involvement and alleged miscreants targeted the vehicles to discredit their agitation, a claim the factory has not publicly addressed.
- Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil pledged a detailed probe and further talks, saying 13 mills submitted documents showing payments of ₹3,400–₹3,600 per tonne.