Daijiworld Media Network - Bantwal (SP)
Bantwal, Feb 1: Under the instructions of taluk magistrate and tahsildar here, Purandar Hegde, a gram panchayat member from the taluk was arrested. He was later released on conditional bail by the police personnel of rural station here.
The arrested person has been identified as Ronald D'Souza, member of Ammunje gram panchayat, who had reportedly encroached upon government land at Mudayikody in Ammunje village. The tahsildar said that D'Souza, in addition to encroaching government land, had levelled it with the help of backhoe, and also destroyed trees and plants standing on the land. Action was taken against him after some locals complained to the panchayat and revenue department, Purandar Hegde explained.
The local people had objected to the fact that D'Souza had set up piggery unit at this residential area, as a result of which the area is covered by terrible stench always. They said that waste materials and effluents of the unit were allowed to flow in the open, duly spreading the risk of the locals contracting infectious diseases.
Panchayat development officer and local revenue officials had visited the spot to clear the encroachment but it is said that Ronald D'Souza stopped them from doing the needful. As such, a case of obstructing government employees from discharging their duties was registered against him and he was accordingly arrested.
The land in question has now been retrieved, and the officials concerned have been instructed to take steps to protect this land. The police officials have been asked to go ahead with their investigation, the tahsildar added. He also stated that panchayat development officer has been asked to plant a warning sign a the spot. He said that proposal would be sent to higher officials in the government to earmark this land for public utility.
Revenue inspector, Narayana Poojary, village accountant, Dakshayini, surveyor, Ashok, panchayat development officer, Naveen Bhdnary, and taluk office employees were present during the clearance operation.