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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M'luru: School physical education teacher’s body found under mysterious circumstances in well
Ullal: The body of a 51-year-old physical education teacher was found in a well at his residence in Kondana, under the limits of Kotekar town, on Friday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Prabhakar Jogi, who was serving as a physical education teacher at the Government School in Kallarakodi, Naringana village. Police suspect that he may have died by suicide, allegedly due to health-related issues.
According to police, Prabhakar had dropped his daughter at Uchila School earlier in the day for the school anniversary programme and returned home.
He was later preparing to attend the same event along with his wife and son, when he suddenly went missing. A search was launched by family members, following which his body was found in the well located at his house.
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Police said that Prabhakar Jogi was reportedly suffering from a neurological disorder. He had served in several schools across Ullal taluk and was actively involved in organisations of physical education teachers.
Ullal police visited the spot, conducted an inspection and sent the body for post-mortem examination.
In his complaint to the police, Prabhakar’s son, Sai Tejas, stated that his father had jumped into the well and that there was no suspicion surrounding the death.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
