Devanahalli land acquisition rollback, a victory for farmers who resisted temptations: Prakash Raj
Bengaluru: Actor and activist Prakash Raj has hailed the Karnataka government's decision to withdraw the land acquisition process in Devanahalli’s Channarayapatna and surrounding villages as a historic victory for farmers who stood firm against all odds.
Speaking after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the cancellation of the acquisition notification, Prakash Raj said the triumph belonged to those farmers who continually asserted, “We will not sell our land; we will remain farmers.” Describing the movement as historic, he emphasized that the resistance was built on unwavering courage and collective strength.
“This victory is a testament to how governments are compelled to listen when people across society stand in solidarity with even a single protester in a remote corner,” said Prakash Raj. “It proves that even struggles that don’t directly affect us deserve our support if we care about justice.”
The actor, who has actively supported the farmers' agitation, lauded the three-year-long campaign where local farmers rejected all inducements and pressure to give up their land. He noted that most people facing injustice are silenced or ignored, but when even one more person stands with them, it turns into a powerful movement. “That is the essence of this victory—it is a victory of societal conscience,” he said.
Prakash Raj also responded to a media question about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling him a people-centric leader. “Yes, the CM has shown he cares for public concerns. But we must also acknowledge that it took him three years to finally hear the farmers’ voices,” he added.
“Regardless of who is in power or how virtuous they may seem, only when civil society develops the strength to question power can those in power remain virtuous,” Prakash Raj observed. “This farmers’ movement has proven that even good leaders need our pressure and support to stay good.”
This development follows years of resistance by local farmers who opposed the government's plans to acquire land for industrial projects in the Devanahalli region.
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Worker’s body reaches Ranchi from Saudi 4 months after death; family rejects over compensation
Ranchi (PTI): The body of a migrant worker from Jharkhand’s Giridih district killed in Saudi Arabia in October last year has arrived at Ranchi Airport, but his family refused to accept it over pending compensation, officials said.
Shikha Lakra, team leader of the state migrant control cell, told PTI that, before taking the body of Vijay Kumar Mahato, the family is demanding compensation from the private company where he used to work in the Arab country.
Mahato was killed in an alleged crossfire between the police and criminals.
“Since it was a bullet injury case, the matter is before a court in Jeddah. The final compensation may depend on the court’s decision,” Lakra said.
“The Indian Embassy informed us about the body’s arrival, and coordination was done with district authorities. Our role is limited to coordination in cases involving overseas employers and foreign jurisdiction,” she added.
Giridih Deputy Commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav said the authorities will try to convince the family to perform the last rites.
“We have already sanctioned Rs 5 lakh under the government scheme for migrant’s deaths abroad. The compensation payment might take some time,” he said.
The body is currently at the mortuary of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi.
The Family members said they will only accept it if the company provides written assurance regarding compensation. “Without that assurance, we will not receive the body,” said Ram Prasad Mahato, the deceased’s brother-in-law.
Mahato, a native of Dudhpaniya village in Madh Gopali panchayat under Dumri block, was employed as a tower line fitter. His family said he was struck by a bullet during a gunfight between local police and an extortion gang and later succumbed to his injuries.
Social activist Sikander Ali said Mahato is survived by his wife, two young sons aged five and three, and elderly parents.
