Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Aug 17: Due to the landslide at Brahmagiri hill, the entire family of Narayan Achar, chief priest at Talakaveri temple, was decimated last week. The government has since disbursed compensation to the family. But now, the family members, instead of grieving, have begun to fight over the money. The family of Narayan Achar is now witnessing skirmish over the money.

Priest Narayan Achar, his wife, brother Ananda Teertha Swamiji and two assistant priests had died in the tragedy. Now the fight over the compensation has begun between two daughters of Narayan Achar and his elder sister Susheela.

The state government had disbursed cheques amounting to Rs 2.5 lac each to the two daughters of Narayan Achar. As Achar's brother Ananda Teertha had also died, compensation was also declared for him. The cheque of Rs 5 lac was handed over to Ananda Teertha's elder sister, Susheela, as he was a bachelor.

Achar's two daughters have now been insisting that their parents had looked after Ananda Teertha and hence they are eligible for the money. They are angry at the money having been given to Susheela.

Speaking at Bagamandala after handing over cheques, minister Somanna had clarified that the cheque was being given to the closest blood relation in respect of Ananda Teertha, who was a bachelor, as per Hindu law. Virajpet MLA K G Bopaiah had supported this notion.

Madikeri tahsildar Mahesh said that the family members have been asked to sort out the issue between themselves. He hoped that the problem would be solved by Monday evening.