Ganiga, who resides in Balikere within the Katbelthoor panchayat limits, reports that the grama panchayat has felled 60 trees from his family’s land. These trees included cashew nut trees, which produced about 1.5 quintals of yield annually, as well as jackfruit and other valuable species. The grama panchayat purportedly claimed the tree removal was necessary to ease traffic for motorists.

Bhaskar Ganiga, Vishwanath’s father, has filed complaints with the Kandloor police station, the forest department, and the grama panchayat, but has received no response.

Vishwanath Ganiga has warned that he will escalate the issue to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah if the situation is not addressed.

The public has widely condemned the grama panchayat’s actions, particularly given the family’s notable achievements. Many are urging the district administration to take action to provide justice for the Ganiga family.