BALLARI: A video in which a farmer was allegedly asked by electronic media persons and farmer leaders to ‘act’ as if he is consuming poison at Kurglagundi village in Ballari taluk has gone viral on the social media and invoked outrage.
The one-minute and four-second video was widely circulated on WhatsApp and Facebook. People are expressing their anger at the electronic media and the farmer leaders for their act. The incident has shed light on the fact about how the ‘so-called’ leaders of various organisations and farmers are misusing the media, especially news channels, to proclaim themselves as leaders and a section of electronic media recreate scenes to get TRP. The incident at Kurglagundi village on Wednesday played out like a movie shooting.
The background of the incident is that a farmer planted chilly saplings on his field which withered due to lack of water. It is said the farmer had decided to destroy the crops himself. A farmer leader tipped off a section of the media about the matter.
When the media persons reached the spot, it is said the farmer attempted suicide by consuming pesticide, but it was foiled by people there. After hearing about the news, another team of electronic media reached the spot and allegedly asked the farmer to act as if he is consuming pesticide. The video shows the farmer being directed on how to hold the pesticide bottle.
The farmer leaders also asked him to do as per the ‘direction’ of the cameramen. They acted as if they were trying to stop the farmer from consuming poison.
As the first ‘take’ was not okay, the farmer was asked to try it again. The ‘scene’ was taken successfully after three ‘takes’. After which, a man asks ‘Aaiten sir?’ (done, sir?) to ensure if the ‘shot’ was okay.
Some people in the social media demanded an inquiry into the incident. When Express contacted Superintendent of Police Chethan R, he said he would look into the matter if anyone files a complaint in this regard.