Daijiworld Media Network – Kadaba (MS)

Kadaba, Nov 14: The thatched hut of an elderly couple, Muthuswamy and Radhamma, who had been living on government land at Kaapinabagily in Kaukradi for several years, was demolished on Wednesday, November 13, by a team led by Kadaba Tahsildar Prabhakara Kajoore, following a court order. The couple, now left homeless, is effectively forced onto the streets.

The operation was carried out with the support of Kadaba revenue inspector Prithviraj, Kadaba taluk panchayat CEO Naveen Bhandary, and security provided by Uppinangady police.

Muthuswamy and Radhamma, originally from Chitradurga district, had moved to Kadaba in search of daily wage work. They paid Rs 50,000 to a local individual to take over a piece of land under that person's authority, where they built a small thatched hut and lived with their cows and calves. Despite applying for the title deed two years ago, the request was denied by revenue officers.

In the meantime, Ashok Acharya from Beltangady filed a petition asking the couple to vacate the government land. Following the court's decision, the revenue officials issued a notice in February 2024, directing the couple to vacate. In their desperation, the couple even submitted an appeal to the President of India through the Kadaba Tahsildar, requesting either permission to stay or the option for mercy killing.

The couple holds Aadhar, ration, and voter ID cards with the same address, and their hut had an electricity connection. However, it was demolished under claims of illegal occupation of government land.

Local leaders, including Jayant T, state president of the Neeti Team, and KRS Party leader Venugopal, arrived at the site after the demolition. They, along with local residents, held a protest until evening, demanding justice for the displaced couple. They also warned of a larger protest in front of the tahsildar’s office, intending to bring the couple’s household items and livestock as part of their demonstration.