CH NEWS, SHIVAMOGGA
Malandur villagers, led by former ZP member Ratnakar Honagodu, protested in front of the Zilla Panchayat office on Wednesday, demanding that the grama tana land located at Survey No 148 of Malandur village under Anandpur Gram Panchayat limits of Sagar taluk be protected and reserved for public use.
This land, located next to the national highway, is in a very important location and is worth about Rs 20 crore. They complained that some people have tried to grab this land, which has been preserved for public purposes for many decades, using political influence with the power of money.
They alleged that some people, especially those who claim to be supporters of local MLAs and those who have connections with land grabbers, are trying to claim the land.
Although they have informed the concerned officials several times in this regard and requested them to inspect the site and protect the land, no effective action has been taken. The villagers also complained that the negligence of the officials is giving rise to attempts to claim illegal rights over public land.
Addressing the protest, former GP member Ratnakar Honagodu said that although the dispute related to the village police station land was brought to the attention of the officials, they have been ignored without taking necessary action. In this context, he demanded that a comprehensive investigation be conducted into the functioning of the Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer and Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer.
No compromise should be made on the issue of public property due to political or financial influence. He demanded that the district administration immediately intervene, verify the land documents, conduct a site inspection and protect the public property.
Citizens and non-party leaders want the land to be used for various public services, including housing for local refugees. In this context, a petition was submitted to Rural Development Minister Ishwar Khandre through the ZP CEO urging the district administration to take immediate steps to protect this place.
Leaders BD Ravi, PLD Bank Director K Gangadharappa, MAMCOS Director Bharmappa, former Gram Panchayat President Mohan Kumar, Dalit Committee Conveners Revappa, Nagaraj, Shekharappa Dasakoppa, Shanthakumar and villagers were present in the protest.
