Daijiworld Media Network – Beltangady (MS)
Beltangady, Oct 10: Forest and revenue officials agreed on a joint survey on the issue of demolition of foundation laid for the house of Lolaksha of Kalenja village in the taluk after MLAs of Dakshina Kannada district arrived on the spot and staged protest.
Family of Amminadka Kuddumane Sesappa Gowda lived on survey number 309/1 for three generations. One of his son Lolaksha began building a house on the plot. A local person, who is not in good terms with the family, wrote an anonymous letter in the name of environmental lover and filed a complaint. On October 6, forest department officials arrived on the spot and demolished the foundation.
Local MLA Harish Poonja had heated arguments with forest officials on the matter. Later, forest minister Eshwar Khandre asked to maintain status quo. Even after this, the forest officials filed complaint on 11 people including family members of Sesappa Gowda in Dharmastala police station. The forest officials were ready with three companies of KSRP to demolish the temporary shed also on Monday October 9 in the morning.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, MLAs Rajesh Naik, Bharat Y Shetty, Umanath Kotian and Bhagirathi Murulya, MLC Pratapsimha Nayak, Hindu leader Arun Kumar Puthila and local leaders arrived on the spot and stood with the family members. MLA Harish Poonja and MLC Pratapsimha Nayak even had scuffle with ACF Subbiah Naik.
On hearing the situation, DCF Anthony S Mariappa went to the spot and had a discussion for an hour. He agreed to the request of protesters and said that they will take action once the joint survey is done. Harish Poonja asked a written statement from DCF and Anthony gave the same on a letter.
A counter complaint is filed against the forest officials by the family members in Dharmasthala police station alleging threat by forest officials of setting the house on fire.