Devanahalli farmers anxious over KIADB notice on land rates: Report
Bengaluru: Farmers in Channarayapatna hobli of Devanahalli taluk are gripped with concern after receiving fresh notices related to land acquisition, raising fears that the state government may go back on its promise to drop plans for a large-scale industrial project in the region.
The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has issued notices for a price-fixation meeting regarding 439 acres of land in Hyadala and Gokare Bacchenahalli — two of the 13 villages that were previously notified for acquisition to establish a defence and aerospace technology park. This comes despite Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s assurance on July 15 that the government had scrapped the acquisition of 1,777 acres across 13 villages for the project, as reported by The New Indian Express on Friday.
Although the scheduled meeting on September 6 was later deferred following protests, villagers remain deeply concerned about the government's intentions. Many farmers now warn of launching intensified agitations if the land is not denotified as promised.
Ramesh Cheemachanahalli, a farmer and member of the Channarayapatna Land Acquisition Protest Committee, alleged that the government had earlier stated land would be taken only from willing farmers. “Around 23 farmers have offered 154 acres. But at least 13 other applications are bogus, and submitted under fake names. Complaints have been filed with the police and KIADB,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Cheemachanahalli stressed that once prices are fixed, acquisition becomes legally binding, making the government’s intention unclear and fuelling farmers’ fears.
Farmers argue that despite the “voluntary” claim for only 154 acres, notices issued mentioned that the meeting was about acquiring 439 acres, creating panic. Ravi Matabarlu, a farmer from Gokare Bacchenahalli, alleged that notices were selectively sent only to a few landowners. “They sent notices only to a handful of farmers who had ‘supposedly’ agreed to give land, not to all landowners. Officially, they say notices were issued to everyone, but in reality, they selectively approached just a few. Later, they claimed others had rejected or returned notices,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
He further alleged that some of the applications submitted were fraudulent. “In one case, a person even signed on behalf of his elder brother, claiming he was willing to give the land,” he added.
Krishnappa, another affected farmer from Hyadala, expressed concern that despite the Chief Minister's earlier announcement about dropping the project, KIADB continues to convene meetings. He believes that officials and politicians are sending mixed signals, leaving farmers uncertain about their future. With their livelihoods dependent on agriculture, many like him fear losing the very land that sustains them.
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Mangaluru: Teacher booked for allegedly beating student in school
Vittla (Dakshina Kannada): A case has been registered at the Vittla Police Station against a school teacher on charges of seriously assaulting a student with a cane at an English-medium school in Idkidu village here near Vittla in Dakshina Kannada district.
According to the complaint, the student, who attends the school regularly, had gone to school as usual. Around 2 pm, the child’s parents received a call from the school office stating that their child had allegedly disturbed other students. The school informed them that when the teacher scolded the student over the issue, the child became frightened and urinated, and the parents were asked to come and take the child home.
The parents reportedly told the school staff that no one was at home at the time and requested that the child be sent home in an autorickshaw.
After returning home, the student told the parents that a teacher identified as Istikaar had beaten him severely on the hand with a cane. The child also said that he urinated out of fear while the assault was taking place.
When the parents contacted the teacher over the phone to question him about the incident, he allegedly responded in a dismissive manner.
Following this, the parents lodged complaints with the Vittla Police Station and the Child Development Project Office, seeking justice and strict action against the teacher for allegedly assaulting the child without any valid reason.
Police have registered a case against the teacher and have taken up further investigation.
