A farmer was killed in police firing on Tuesday at Haveri in North Karnataka after protests by farmers against the shortage of fertilizers in the state reportedly turned violent.

The incident takes place two weeks after B S Yeddyurappa assumed office as Karnataka chief minister.

Eyewitnesses told rediff.com that the slain farmer, Siddalingappa Chennappa Choori, was not in the mob when the incident occurred.

However, prior to the police action, farmers had pelted stones at public property and also a police van.

Three persons were injured in the firing. The injured -- identified as Shameer Abdul Khader, Abdul Razaack and Shantappa Malappa Halli -- have been admitted at the KIMS hospital in Hubli.

Soon after the police opened fire, farmers were seen running around helplessly. They had no shelter as all shops had downed their shutters ahead of the protest.

Jagadish Shettar, Speaker in the legislative assembly, said an inquiry would be ordered.

The BJP, however, feels that the incident is the handiwork of some opposition parties and termed the protests as politically-motivated.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders came down heavily on the BJP, stating that the incident outlined the complete failure of the administration.

Janata Dal-Secular supremo H D Deve Gowda, who sobbed uncontrollably after hearing the news, refused to comment on the issue.