AAP Farmer Leader Raju Karpada Exposes Scam at Botad Marketing Yard; Arrested During Farmers’ Protest

— Kejriwal Condemns, Says “Truth Cannot Be Jailed”

AAP Gujarat’s State Head of the Kisan Cell and prominent farmer leader Raju Karpada has exposed a major scam at Botad Marketing Yard through a viral video, alleging that farmers have been systematically cheated for years under the guise of “Kalda” (deductions).

According to Karpada, traders at the yard have long been exploiting farmers. Once a bid is finalized, traders instruct farmers to transport their cotton to ginning factories located 10–15 km away. When the farmers deliver the produce at their own expense, the factory staff then claim the cotton is of “poor quality” and reduce the price by ₹100–₹200 per quintal — sometimes even more — calling it a “Kalda” deduction.

Two years ago, following farmers’ complaints, Karpada and his team intervened, leading to a temporary shutdown of the yard. However, under the pretext of “settlement,” he was arrested. Farmers continued their protest, keeping the yard closed until assurances were made.

In recent weeks, Karpada received fresh complaints that the same malpractice had resumed. On October 9, he announced via Facebook that he and local farmers would reach Botad Yard the next day to demand action. Following this, APMC officials called a meeting and publicly assured that the “Kalda” system would be abolished.

When Raju Karpada arrived at the yard on October 10 with thousands of farmers, the Marketing Yard Chairman publicly declared that the “Kalda” practice would stop immediately and that farmers would receive the exact price quoted. He further stated that any trader found guilty of “Kalda” would face investigation, and their license would be revoked within two days.

Karpada demanded a written assurance, but the chairman refused, prompting him and the farmers to stage a sit-in protest at the site.

Responding to the incident, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticized the Gujarat government, stating:

“Farmers in Gujarat’s marketing yards are facing blatant injustice. They are denied fair prices for their hard-earned crops while BJP leaders have taken control of these yards to exploit them.”

Late at night, around 3 a.m., Gujarat Police arrested Raju Karpada during the protest, drawing outrage from the farming community.

Kejriwal condemned the arrest, saying:

“In BJP-ruled Gujarat, anyone who raises their voice for farmers is sent to jail. Raju Karpada’s only fault was that he fought for farmers’ rights and demanded fair prices for cotton. But remember — the truth cannot be locked up. This fight for farmers will not stop.”