Farmer arrives with court officials to seize Shivamogga DC office after delayed compensation; DC assures resolution

Shivamogga: In a dramatic sequence of events, a farmer in Shivamogga on Friday arrived at the Deputy Commissioner’s office with court-appointed officials to execute a seizure order after the administration allegedly failed to pay him court-mandated compensation for land acquired over three decades ago.

The situation de-escalated only after the Deputy Commissioner assured immediate intervention and a fair settlement. The land dispute dates back to 1992, when the Haramaghatta Gram Panchayat acquired 1 acre 2 guntas of land belonging to farmer Nandayappa, son of Hanumanthappa, for the construction of Ashraya houses.

At the time, the Panchayat had agreed to pay Rs 22.60 lakh as compensation. However, the farmer says he received only Rs 9 lakh. Feeling cheated, Nandayappa approached the district court. After reviewing the case, the Shivamogga District Court ordered the administration to pay Rs 95,88,283 to the farmer.

The court further stated that if compensation was not paid, the DC office furniture and even official vehicles could be seized. Armed with this order, the farmer arrived today with court amin staff to seize movable assets. However, DC Gurudatta Hegde intervened and assured that the matter would be taken up with the concerned department immediately.

“I am not aware of which department the court order pertains to. There are several land acquisition processes ongoing. I will speak to the concerned officials and ensure justice for the farmer,” he said.

Speaking emotionally, Nandayappa told the media he had been running from one office to another for years with no relief. “I even sold land worth ₹25 lakh while fighting the case. Today the DC says if money is not available, I can take his vehicle. I only want justice,” he appealed.

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