Daijiworld Media Network – Sullia (SP)

Sullia, Jul 12: Based on complaints that the government land earmarked for dalits has been encroached upon by others, 26 residents of Navoor and Gandhnagar here have been served with eviction notices. The revenue department, in its notices, has asked these people to produce documents if any to prove their ownership on their holding, or vacate the land within seven days.

Land measuring 7.3 acres in survey No. 276/1E1B located by the side of the Gandhinagar school ground here, has been earmarked for scheduled caste families. About 60 dalits live in this land at present. This place is known as Navoor Colony, and residences of people from some other communities and commercial complexes have also come up there.

In complaints sent to the deputy commissioner and directorate of civil rights enforcement at Mangalore, the dalits of Navoor Colony had complained that the government land meant for them had been taken over illegally by people belonging to other castes and religions. They had sought return of land to the dalits.

On the basis of a letter sent to the tahsildar by the superintendent of police of the civil rights enforcement directorate, the tahsildar ordered issuance of notices after getting reports from the taluk surveyor and revenue inspector.