Bengaluru: The death of the farmer who attempted suicide in front of Chikballapur DC has led to intense and violent protest by the farming community on Friday.

Section 144 has been imposed in several parts of the districts to prevent untoward incidents.

A farmer named Anand Kumar (35) who consumed poison in front of Chikballapur DC office on Thursday breathed his last on Friday at 2 am at Victoria hospital in Bangalore.

He committed suicide due to delay in converting his farm land and DC officials issued notice to auction cashew grown in his farm at a much lower price, sources said.

The moment the death news spread, thousands of angry farmers took to streets and burnt tyres on main roads of the district.

Stray incidents of stone pelting and lathi charge are also reported.

Devegowda to visit farmer’s village:

Former Prime Minister HD Devegowda, who visited Victoria hospital to meet the farmer yesterday, is scheduled to visit farmer’s village Arakamaranahalli today where the body is kept for public to pay last respect. He will pay final respects there by 12 noon Today, press release said.

Several leaders across the party lines and farmers’ associations have condemned the incident and dubbed it as a state sponsored ‘murder’.

Meanwhile, the State Government has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lacs and 2 acres of land to the kin of the deceased faremer.