MANDYA: A 55-year-old farmer from Mandya district, Karnataka, died on Wednesday after allegedly setting himself on fire outside the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office in protest over a delayed compensation in a land acquisition case.
The deceased, identified as M.D. Manjegowda, a resident of Moodanahalli village in K.R. Pet taluk, had reportedly been waiting several years for compensation related to the acquisition of his land. Despite repeated appeals to local authorities, he neither received the compensation amount nor was allotted alternative land, according to preliminary reports.
Incident outside DC office
Police said the tragic incident took place at Cauvery Park, located opposite the Mandya DC office. Manjegowda allegedly poured petrol over himself and set himself ablaze. Witnesses at the scene rushed to his rescue and transported him to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).
As he had sustained over 60% burn injuries, he was later referred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru for advanced treatment. However, doctors confirmed his death on Wednesday.
Police investigation underway
A senior police officer said that no formal complaint has been filed so far regarding the circumstances leading to the farmer’s extreme act.
“We have not received any complaint from his family yet. Once we do, we will verify the claims and initiate the necessary investigation,” the officer said.
Authorities are expected to record statements from the family and local officials as part of the inquiry into the alleged delay in disbursing compensation.
Broader context
Farmers in parts of Karnataka, including Mandya, have often raised concerns about delays in compensation for land acquired for infrastructure and irrigation projects. The latest incident has once again highlighted the distress faced by many small and marginal farmers who struggle with prolonged bureaucratic procedures.
The district administration is likely to review pending compensation cases following the incident.
