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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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.
