Vikarabad (Journalist File): Tensions flared in Lagacharla village, located in the Kodangal constituency, when a public consultation meeting on land acquisition for a pharmaceutical company turned violent. The meeting, led by District Collector Prateek Jain and revenue officials, was intended to gather local opinions regarding the proposed acquisition of land. However, it quickly spiraled into chaos as villagers strongly objected to the location of the meeting, which was held away from the main village area.

When the Collector attempted to move the discussions to the village, local farmers greeted him with loud protests and slogans. The situation worsened when a group of farmers began throwing stones at the Collector’s vehicle. Despite his efforts to engage with the crowd and calm tensions, the protestors grew more aggressive, pelting stones at the vehicles of the Collector and Tahsildar. Faced with escalating hostility, the officials were forced to retreat.

Despite heavy police deployment in the area to prevent unrest, security around the Collector was inadequate when the meeting shifted to the village, leaving officials vulnerable to the angry crowd. The situation took another turn when the protestors attacked police officers who attempted to intervene, forcing law enforcement to respond with a baton charge to disperse the crowd.

The conflict stems from the state government’s plan to acquire 1,350 acres of land in Dudyala mandal, which is part of the Chief Minister’s home constituency. The land is intended to be given to a pharmaceutical company, though only 156 acres are government-owned, with the rest coming from private landowners. Local farmers, who have been cultivating this land for years, have voiced strong opposition, vowing not to part with it.

Accusations have also emerged that a Congress leader is behind the push for the pharmaceutical project, with villagers reportedly vandalizing the leader’s car and shattering its windows in retaliation. With tensions high, farmers have made it clear that they will fight any forced land acquisition efforts, warning of further resistance if the government proceeds.