Devanahalli land acquisition withdrawal victory for farmers: Actor Prakash Raj
Bengaluru: Celebrated multilingual actor and activist Prakash Raj hailed the Karnataka government's decision to cancel the land acquisition process in Channarayanapatna and other villages of Devanahalli taluk as a "historic victory" for the farmers.
Reacting to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s announcement on the withdrawal of the acquisition notification, Prakash Raj said, “This is a win for those farmers who firmly stood by their land and consistently fought to remain as cultivators. It is a powerful example of how people’s movements, when sustained with determination, can lead to historic victories.”
Prakash Raj, who had extended his support to the agitating farmers and even participated in their protests, stated that the government's decision is a result of the farmers’ unrelenting struggle, despite immense pressure and inducements. “They resisted for three long years without giving in to any offers or temptations. This movement is not just a protest but a symbol of the power of collective voice,” he added.
He further said that when ordinary citizens anywhere rise against injustice, and when society stands with them, governments are forced to listen. “If someone cries alone, the world ignores it. But when another person stands beside the one who is crying, a movement begins. And that’s what happened here. This is a huge step forward in the awakening of public consciousness,” he noted.
Speaking to reporters, Prakash Raj also commented on Siddaramaiah’s role in the matter. “The Chief Minister has shown that he is truly a people’s leader. But let us not forget—it took him three years to hear the farmers’ plea. While it’s commendable that he finally responded, the delay also needs to be acknowledged.”
He emphasized the importance of an alert and questioning civil society, saying, “No matter how good a leader may be, they will only remain good if people keep questioning them. Otherwise, power itself can corrupt. Even good leaders need strength and support from the people to continue doing the right thing. This farmers’ protest has proven that,” he said.
Prakash Raj concluded by saying that this struggle should become a starting point for many such people’s movements, and it sets a strong example for others fighting injustice across the country.
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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.
