Tension prevailed at the Krishnarajasagar (KRS) on Wednesday as agitators, protesting against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, tried to lay siege to the dam.
Pro-agitation and pro-Kannada organisations, including the Rytha Sangha (farmers’ body) members assembled in huge numbers and proceeded from the focal point of Mandya to the reservoir that supplies the district with water.
While heavy security was maintained at the dam, which has been placed under extended prohibitory orders under Section 144, police had to use force to prevent agitators from laying siege to it. They had to use canes to disperse the mobs and also took some leaders into custody. But they faced resistance from demonstrators.
Defying the ban, protesters, including women, gathered at the main gate of the dam and tried to force their way in to lay siege.