Amid skyrocketing prices, thieves decamp with tomatoes worth Rs 2.5 lakh
Hassan(Karnataka), July 6: Amid skyrocketing vegetable prices, tomatoes worth Rs 2.5 lakh were allegedly stolen from a farm of a woman in Karnataka. Thieves allegedly decamped with 50-60 bags of tomatoes from the farm located at Goni Somanahalli village of Hassan district on Tuesday evening.
Based on woman farmer Dharini's complaint, a case of theft has been registered at the Halebeedu police station. Dharani said the theft happened as they were planning to cut the crop and transport it to the Bengaluru market. Notably, the tomato price had reached above Rs 120 per kg. Dharani said the thieves stole 50-60 bags of tomatoes and destroyed the remaining standing crop.
"We incurred huge losses in bean harvest and had taken loans to grow tomatoes. We had a good harvest and, incidentally, prices were also high, besides taking the 50-60 bags of tomatoes, the thieves also destroyed the remaining standing crop," said Dharini.
Karnataka | Farmer alleges tomatoes worth Rs 2.5 lakhs were stolen from her farm in the Hassan district on the night of July 4.
A woman farmer, Dharani who grew tomatoes on 2 acres of land said that they were planning to cut the crop and transport it to market as the price… pic.twitter.com/fTxcZIlcTr — ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2023
A police officer at the Halebeedu police station said it was the first case of tomato theft filed at his police station. Dharani's son also requested the state government for compensation.
"Her son also requested the government for compensation and demanded an investigation. A complaint has been filed at the Halebeedu police station. It is the first such case filed of tomato loot at our police station," said the police officer at Halebeedu police station.
Dharini along with her family members had grown tomatoes on two acres of land which were allegedly stolen.
Like other states, Karnataka has also seen tomato prices increasing very rapidly in recent days. Tomato prices in Bengaluru range from Rs 101 to 121 per kg. The high prices have been attributed to the sudden temperature increase in March and April that resulted in pest attacks on tomato crops, leading to decreased yields and higher market rates.
- ANI
