Mandya Farmer: In a shocking incident that highlights the ongoing plight of farmers in Karnataka, a 55-year-old farmer named Manjegowda from Moodanahalli village in KR Pete taluk attempted to end his life by self-immolation on Tuesday morning.
Frustrated by the authorities’ failure to resolve a long-standing land dispute, Manjegowda poured petrol over himself and set himself ablaze at the popular Cauvery Park in front of the Mandya District Collector’s office.
Eyewitnesses and local residents rushed to his aid, using water to douse the flames and immediately admitted him to MIMS Hospital. Medical sources have revealed that Manjegowda has suffered severe burns to over 60% of his body and is currently in a critical state, fighting for his life.
The background to this desperate act dates back several years, when the government acquired two acres of land owned by Manjegowda’s family for redistribution to the landless poor. While the land was taken and divided into 49 plots for the underprivileged, Manjegowda had yet to receive any compensation or alternative land.
Multiple appeals to the district administration and taluk office had yielded no results, leaving the farmer feeling helpless and ignored. On Monday, Manjegowda had made yet another formal plea at the district office.
Unable to cope with the continued neglect, he reportedly spent the night at Cauvery Park and took the drastic step early the next morning. While police and fire authorities responded promptly and assisted in his rescue, the incident has brought to the fore the deep frustration among farmers facing unresolved land and compensation issues.
The case is under investigation, and farmer advocates are once again calling for better compensation policies and quicker redressal mechanisms for land acquisition grievances across the state.
