Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Jan 20: Tension prevailed at Kaikamba on Monday January 19 after villagers laid siege to the village accountant’s office, protesting alleged attempts to hush up a fake land title deed case dating back to 2018.
According to sources, allegations had surfaced that a fake title deed was issued in 2018 to a resident falling under the Kuppepadavu gram panchayat limits. Following these allegations, village accountant Muttappa reportedly asked office staff member Rajani to step out of the office and locked the premises.
Shocked and distressed over claims that she was being made a scapegoat in the fake title deed case, Rajani allegedly collapsed and fell ill. Upon learning about the incident, local residents rushed to the spot and staged a protest by surrounding the village accountant’s office, demanding a fair and transparent investigation into the alleged scam.
The protesters alleged that efforts were being made to cover up the fake title deed irregularities and urged the authorities to conduct an immediate probe and initiate legal action against those responsible.
On receiving information about the protest, Gurupur hobli deputy tahsildar Stephen and revenue inspector Poornachandra arrived at the spot and held a heated argument with village accountant Muttappa. They reportedly reprimanded him, stating that pressure was being exerted to suppress the fake title deed case and that this was the reason staff were sent out of the office.
Speaking to the media, local resident Vishwanath Pakaje said, “A thorough investigation into the fake title deed case is necessary. The matter has already been brought to the notice of the MLA, and assurance has been given during the gram panchayat general meeting that a probe will be conducted. We rushed to the spot after receiving a phone call that Rajani was contemplating suicide, admitted her to hospital, and then began the protest. Based on assurances from officials, we have temporarily called off the agitation. If a complete inquiry is not conducted, villagers will resume protests.”
After assurances were given and the protest was withdrawn, officials visited the primary health centre and enquired about Rajani’s health. During the interaction, Rajani reportedly broke down in tears, stating that she had not committed any wrongdoing and was being falsely accused, adding that she would be driven to suicide if such allegations continued.
Addressing the agitated villagers, deputy tahsildar Stephen said that an investigation into the fake title deed case had already been initiated. He added that differences of opinion between the staff member and the village accountant may have led to the incident and assured that the issue would be resolved at the earliest. Following this assurance, the villagers dispersed peacefully.
Members of the Kuppepadavu gram panchayat and local residents participated in the protest. Bajpe police were present at the scene and provided security.