News & Pics: Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network–Kundapur (EP) 

Kundapur, Jun 10: Amparu gram panchayat officials vacated a family who was staying for nearly two decades running a shop beside state highway with a notice of only one and a half days. 

Bhaskar Bhandary was living in the Amparu gram panchayat market beside Kundapur Siddapur state highway running a shop. The panchayat had not given permission in the land owned by the Public Works department.

Following gram panchayat complaints that shops in panchayat commercial complex behind the shop cannot be let out due to the illegal structure, Kundapur tahsildar served a notice to shop owner on Thursday evening and started demolishing it on Friday morning, June 10.

The shop owner immediately complained to Karnataka Karmika Vedike. When revenue officials and gram panchayat were forcibly evicting the residents in the presence of police, local villagers and Karnataka Karmika Vedike raised objection.

Later after discussions and assurance that the affected family would be provided a house site and a shop in the commercial complex, the protesters allowed demolition to continue.

Shop owner Bhaskar Bhandary said, “I have two college going children and I am unable to pay advance of Rs 40 thousands for commercial complex. I will support demolition only if gram panchayat allows concession in the deposit.” 

Speaking about the incident, gram panchayat vice president Kiran Hegde said, “The structure was too close to the road and the action was taken for the safety of road users and to increase the income of gram panchayat.” 

“There is no malicious intent and politics in behind demolition,” he added. 

Karnataka Karmika Vedike president Ravi Shetty said, “Vedike helps when workers face hardships. If the gram panchayat does not keep its promises, violent protests will be held and the shop will be reconstructed.” 

Meanwhile many suspicions were raised among villagers regarding demolition. Amparu gram panchayat vice president has also constructed his private office illegally but the revenue officials have not demolished that office.

Byndoor MLA had said that he will resign from the party if he was unable to demolish Bhaskar Bhandary's shop. The public works department has not issued any no objection letter to the commercial complex built by the gram panchayat.

Villagers and Karnataka Karmika Vedike have urged demolition of these buildings as these also are illegal.