Bengaluru, June 8 -- A severe drinking water shortage in Marenahalli village of Jagaluru taluk in Karnataka's Davangere district triggered dramatic protests on Sunday, June 7, with villagers allegedly detaining local officials and assaulting a bill collector while demanding urgent action to resolve the crisis.

Residents said the village has been facing an acute shortage of drinking water for nearly a month. Despite repeated complaints and requests to the authorities, they claimed no meaningful steps had been taken to restore regular water supply.

The anger of villagers erupted when Jagaluru Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Kenchappa and Panchayat Development Officer Kotresh visited the village. A large group of residents gathered aroun...