Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jan 8: Malathi Kumari, a resident of Puttur, is devastated after losing her only source of livelihood — her milk booth, which was demolished by city municipal authorities in December 2024.

The booth, which Malathi had been running with an official license, was removed following complaints from the public. Malathi had opened the milk booth on March 30, 2004, with financial assistance from the wife of the then minister, the late Dr. V S Acharya.

Over the years, she complied with all council orders, including relocating the booth in 2008 during road-widening activities. However, in November 2009, a complaint raised by the then-councilor led to the booth being partially demolished. Despite not receiving approval to disconnect the power supply, the authorities removed the roof and seized all items, transporting them in a waste collection vehicle.

Malathi expressed her anguish, stating, “The authorities targeted me because I have no one to support me.”

She has been running the booth legally since 2004, but in December 2024, the city municipal authorities demolished it completely, leaving no trace of her livelihood. The milk booth was located on government-owned land.

Prior to the demolition, Malathi was sent a notice to vacate, to which she responded. A second notice was then issued, instructing the milk supply company to stop the supply, which led to the cessation of her business.

The milk booth was Malathi’s only source of income. Living alone in a rented house with two dogs, whom she considers her family, she has no relatives and remains unmarried. The loss of the booth has left her without any means of support.

Now, Malathi is seeking justice and requesting an alternative solution, including land for a new milk booth in a nearby locality, as well as compensation for the financial losses she has incurred.