Mohan Kuthar
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sept 25: Tensions flared at Kollamogru Grama Panchayat in Sullia taluk, bordering Dakshina Kannada district, as angry villagers staged a siege of the panchayat office on Thursday morning, accusing officials of theft of public property, CCTV misuse, and invasion of privacy.
The protestors alleged that despite compelling evidence, a panchayat clerk had stolen official equipment, yet the panchayat had failed to take any disciplinary action. They also claimed that CCTV footage was being misused to secretly record private videos, which were later circulated via WhatsApp, violating individual privacy and triggering outrage.
Villagers demanded immediate answers from the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO), Chinnappa Naik, over the misuse of panchayat-owned CCTV systems and sound equipment, allegedly being used by private individuals. "Who is stealing from the panchayat? Who is circulating private CCTV clips on WhatsApp? This is a serious breach of public trust," they charged.
Clerk accused of theft; vice president named in allegations
The villagers alleged that clerk Santosh was directly involved in the theft, and that Panchayat Vice President Madhav Chantal was complicit. They called on panchayat president Mohini Katta to respond publicly.
Protestors also alleged that video clips of villagers were being shared directly from the President’s mobile phone, and demanded to know who was the WhatsApp group admin. "It is illegal to share personal footage without consent," one protestor said.
When confronted, president Mohini responded: "I don’t know how to operate a mobile phone." Her statement further enraged the crowd, who then issued an ultimatum — either the taluk panchayat CEO should intervene immediately, or they would lock the panchayat office.
Internet cables cut, members resign amid turmoil
Residents also accused the panchayat of cutting internet cables in the area to suppress online criticism against the panchayat shared via WhatsApp. They said this deliberate act had disrupted connectivity across the village.
Protestors demanded the immediate presence of both vice president Madhav Chantal and clerk Santosh. When president Mohini attempted to call them, neither answered. In a dramatic turn, two panchayat members resigned on the spot, stating the panchayat had failed to uphold justice.
Holding the President and PDO accountable for the breakdown in governance, villagers demanded a formal police complaint. Under mounting pressure, PDO Chinnappa Naik drafted and submitted a complaint in front of the villagers, which they reviewed and corrected before submission.
CEO’s vehicle blocked on main road, investigation assured
As tensions escalated, the taluk panchayat CEO arrived, only to be blocked by protestors on the main road. He firmly reprimanded the PDO, saying: "Allegations must be dealt with legally. Officials cannot allow matters to spill into the streets."
The CEO assured villagers that a formal investigation would be launched, and all parties involved would be held accountable as per law.
Protest led by local residents
The protest was led by villagers including Uday Shival, Sudhamani, Hariprasad, Gireesh Tambinadka, Satish Chalepady, Dinesh Madtilla, Shekhar Ambekallu, Satish T.N., Manikanth Kolage, Sachith Shival, Nanda Bilimale, and Veenanand Bilimale.