Kolhapur:M P and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatna leader Raju Shetti on Sunday said the government feared that the farmer’s agitation might turn violent and was hence resorting to tapping phones.Speaking to TOI Shetti said, “We are planning out a strategy and will launch an agitation that will compel the various sugar millers to pay the amount to farmers according to what had been decided earlier. The millers are stating that they do not have the funds to pay the farmers their dues. I have gathered detailed information about all their properties and will meet with the Income Tax (IT) officials and provide them with information about their assets. I expect that the IT office will take note of this and initiate action against the millers.”“I will also meet the sugar commissioner and ask him to take action against the millers that have failed to pay the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) to the farmers. I will ask him to seize the sugar from the mills and auction it. Our organization will buy sugar at the rate of Rs29 per quintal and let the millers pay the FRP to the farmers. If anyone buys the sugar above Rs29 per quintal, they are welcome,” he said.Superintendent of police Abhinav Deshmukh said, “Raju Shetti is a member of Parliament from Kolhapur district. We do not tap his phone or any of the activists belonging to his organization. We provide the security to places wherever there are chances of a law and order problem.”

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