Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Oct 12: Satish, first division assistant in the tahsildar's office here, who was facing the allegation of illegally leveling of a hillock and building a resort in violation of rules, stands suspended. Kodagu district deputy commissioner Anees Kanmani Joy ordered his suspension with immediate effect.

The official had encroached about 1.5 acres of hillock located within Kolikadu and Cheeerangala villages near Talakaveri in the taluk. It is said that he also had destroyed forest for the purpose. As huge amount of sand was dislocated from the area, a huge crack had appeared in the ground, which has been posing danger to the people residing in Kolikdau village, which is located at the foot of the said hillock.

The area has been encountering huge floods which have inundated villages and destroyed large tracts of land year after year.

Talakaveri Rakshana Vedike leaders had complained against the official to the district administration. They also had filed complaints in Bhagamandala range forest office against the official. Considering these things, the deputy commissioner had ordered for a joint investigation by a team of officials from revenue, forest, mines and geology departments.

During the joint investigation, it was found that the land sanctioned to Satish and the site of resort construction is different. It is clear that the land he has taken into possession for resort construction actually belongs to the government. As it was found that Satish had felled a number of trees standing on the site, the forest department has registered separate case against him. As even the allegation of levelling the hillock belonging to the government was proved, the deputy commissioner suspended him from service.