Mounesh Vishwakarma

Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (EP)

Bantwal, Jan 17: Former zilla panchayat member Tungappa Bangera led a protest demanding a thorough investigation into the theft of rice, worth several crores, allocated for BPL cardholders from the state food corporation warehouse in Ponnodi, near B C Road. The demonstrators also sought cultivation chits for beneficiaries of Akrama Sakrama land during 2023.

Protesters gathered in front of B C Road Adalilta Saudha and attempted to besiege the taluk office. However, police intervened to prevent the siege. Tungappa Bangera condemned the theft of 3,850 quintals of rice, asserting that the district administration has failed to identify and take action against the culprits, even after eight months. He alleged the existence of a network and accused the district administration of shielding the perpetrators. Bangera also claimed that Akrama Sakrama land beneficiaries did not receive agricultural chits in 2023. The theft was exposed after BJP leader Harikrishna Bantwal and MLA Rajesh Naik reported the matter to the deputy commissioner. Bangera expressed concerns that there are efforts to cover up the scam due to external pressure.

Addressing the protesters, BJP leader Sulochana G K Bhat, Bantwal Mandala BJP president Devappa Poojary, and former taluk panchayat member Mohan P S voiced their grievances. Bantwal municipal council members and other local leaders were also present.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to Bantwal tahsildar B S Koodalagi, urging the swift arrest of those involved in the theft and the issuance of chits to Akrama Sakrama beneficiaries. P M Prabhakar welcomed the gathering and proposed a vote of thanks, with security provided by the Bantwal town police.