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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J'khand: 4 minors detained for 'raping' girl at birthday party
Ranchi (PTI): Four minors were detained for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl at a birthday party in Jharkhand’s Ranchi, police said on Saturday.
The incident took place on March 31 within the Namkum police station limits. An FIR in this regard was lodged on April 16 based on the girl’s statement, they said.
“All five, including the victim, were friends, and the girl had gone to attend the birthday party of one of those detained. At the party, the accused consumed alcohol and allegedly raped her,” said Ramnarayan Singh, the officer in-charge of Namkum police station.
“The four, aged between 15 and 17 years, have been detained and the medical examination of the girl is underway,” Singh said.
Further investigation is underway.
