Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, July 19: Sources said that divisional commissioner, M V Jayanti, who had come here to inquire the issue of land acquisition, returned to Mysore on Sunday July 18, without being able to take a clear stand on the issue of acquiring landed property belonging to Gregory Patrao in Kalavar village, and demolishing his house, cattle shed etc. The sources added that she could not arrive at a clear-cut decision, as the district administration failed to apprise her of all the details and developments concerning the acquisition.

She had held meeting in the office of the deputy commissioner here with Gregory, his supporters, and the officials, on Saturday. She also had visited the disputed site. She later held a meeting of officials along with Gregory again in the afternoon, and summoned some officials to Circuit House to get additional information. It is said that she had instructed the officials to furnish her some documents in support of the statements they had made at the meeting. The officials, who failed to hand over the documents to her on Sunday too, promised to send them to Mysore. As such, she returned on Sunday, it is gathered.

She said that she would be able to complete her report once the documents that are supplemental to certain claims made by the officials are furnished, and submit the same to the government thereafter. It is learnt that the inquiry official is in a fix as Gregory has not agreed to her proposal to accept alternative land. Gregory’s adamant posture on the issue and the huge support he draws from various groups have put her in a quandary, sources added. She is likely to mention in her report that Gregory has steadfastly been demanding return of the land acquired from him.

If the recommendations are in favour of Gregory, more people, whose lands are likely to be acquired for various projects, may get encouraged to initiate their own protests. If the report is against Gregory’s stand, he might continue his fight, buoyed by the support he has been getting for his fight. Of late, the issue has also acquired political hue, as some political leaders have also pledged support to him.