Madhu Bangarappa warns forest officials against forceful eviction of farmers citing court orders
Shivamogga: School Education and District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa has instructed forest department officials not to forcibly evict farmers cultivating forest lands on the pretext of court orders. He warned that any harassment or assault on farmers during eviction drives would invite strict government action against the officials involved.
The minister was chairing a progress review meeting of the Forest, Public Works, KRIDL, and Irrigation departments at the District Administrative Office on Saturday.
Bangarappa said that many farmers have been cultivating forest land for generations, and their cases must be dealt with as per Supreme Court guidelines. “Do not issue unnecessary notices or use the court order as an excuse to trouble or evict them,” he told forest officials.
He further directed that new encroachments must not be allowed, but the government should take steps to regularise encroachments made before April 27, 1978. He asked officials to submit a report on the measures taken to exclude legally granted agricultural and residential lands from the proposed forest inclusion list.
“No arbitrary action against farmers will be tolerated,” the minister said, reiterating that the forest department should act within the framework of justice and compassion.
MLA Ayanur Manjunath demanded that officers provide written, document-based explanations regarding their actions. MLA Gopalakrishna Belur pointed out that notices are being served to farmers in parts of Malnad and urged the government to stop such harassment.
Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Hanumanthappa clarified that cases classified under PF and MF fall under minor forest categories and can be settled locally. He said 375 notifications have already been issued in this regard.
Speaking on irrigation works, Bangarappa instructed officials to begin construction of bridge-cum-barrages across the Gudavi, Yadagoppa, Dandavati, and Varada rivers in Sorab taluk at a cost of Rs 160 crore. He also urged them to take up culvert and minor bridge projects without delay. “Better coordination between departments will help speed up the work,” he added.
The minister reviewed the progress of regularising houses in declared slum areas across the district. He instructed officials to issue property rights for houses in rural slums and provide Form 94C and 94CC certificates for homes located in urban slums.
Municipal Commissioner Mayannagowda informed the meeting that 9,000 applications had been sent for regularising houses of poor families who have been living for over 40 years on municipal land within Shivamogga city limits.
District officials, including Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde, Zilla Panchayat CEO Hemant Kumar N, CCF Hanumanthappa, and DCF Prasanna Kumar Patagar, attended the meeting.
It was also revealed that Shivamogga ranks sixth in the state in the ongoing social, educational, and economic survey, with 96% of the work completed. Around 8,000 urban households and 15,000 rural households are yet to be surveyed. After completion, grievances related to Sharavathi rehabilitation will be addressed, followed by a review of reserved forest areas in December.
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Karnataka: SP’s gunman among two arrested for extorting money from rice smuggler
Ballari (Karnataka) (PTI): An armed police constable serving as the district superintendent of police’s personal gunman, along with his accomplice, was arrested for allegedly extorting money from a rice smuggler, police said on Friday.
Devaraj, who had been serving as the SP’s gunman for the past four and a half years, was identified as the mastermind behind the incident.
Following an investigation, Devaraj and his accomplice Sairam were arrested on May 6, while efforts are underway to nab a third accused, Gadilinga, a practising advocate in Ballari, who is absconding, police said.
The matter came to light after a complaint was filed by Sharabappa, a habitual offender allegedly involved in illegal rice transport, they added.
According to police, the incident occurred on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, when a group of masked men intercepted Sharabappa’s rice-laden vehicles near the Moka forest area.
The accused allegedly introduced themselves as members of an “SP squad”, threatened to seize the vehicles and file criminal cases, and demanded money to avoid legal action.
Police said the accused initially demanded Rs 5 lakh and later extorted around Rs 3 lakh from the complainant.
Investigation revealed that Devaraj was the main person involved in demanding and collecting the money, while Sairam and Gadilinga were also involved in the offence. Sairam was allegedly involved in similar activities earlier as well.
Devaraj and Sairam were arrested under Sections 308(2) (extortion) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Police also seized the extorted cash, the four-wheeler, and mobile phones allegedly used in the crime. Efforts are underway to trace Gadilinga.
Addressing a press conference, Ballari Superintendent of Police Suman D Pennekar described the incident as a serious offence that has tarnished the image of the police department.
"There is no official ‘SP squad’ or ‘DSP squad’ operating in the district. Such labels are often misused by impostors or corrupt individuals to commit extortion," the SP clarified.
She said no involvement of other police officers has been found so far.
Departmental proceedings have been initiated against Devaraj, and suspension proceedings are underway. The SP added that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in such offences.
Police said Sharabappa, the complainant, is a known habitual offender involved in illegal rice smuggling, and several cases have already been registered against him in the Moka and Peddihalli areas. A separate case has also been registered against him in connection with rice smuggling on the night of the incident.
Authorities are also exploring the possibility of initiating externment proceedings against him under applicable legal provisions.
The SP urged the public to report any extortion attempts by persons claiming to be part of an “SP squad”, assuring that the identity of informants will be kept confidential.
