Mangaluru: A traffic standstill occurred at Manjanakatte in Bajpe on Wednesday, September 24, after a landowner erected a barbed-wire fence across a state highway, alleging that public works department (PWD) officials failed to comply with a court order regarding an encroachment dispute.
Background of the dispute
The controversy revolves around land owned by Cecilia, a resident of Manjanakatte currently living abroad. In 2008, the PWD allegedly constructed a road through her private land without her consent or compensation.
Cecilia filed a case in 2014 against the PWD, the tahsildar, and the revenue department. After hearings, the court in 2017 ordered authorities to either provide alternative land equivalent to her property or remove the road and return her land. Despite the ruling, officials reportedly failed to act for several years.
Highway blockage and public disruption
On Wednesday, Cecilia’s son-in-law, Andri D Almeida, along with court officials Shivaram Rai and Deepak, began demarcating the property and digging up the road. This action left hundreds of vehicles stranded along the busy Kinnigoli–Niddodi–Ganjimath–Mangaluru state highway, frustrating commuters.
Revenue inspector Purnachandra and deputy tahsildar Stephen arrived at the site to discuss the matter with the landowner’s family and court officials. However, angry locals confronted them, accusing authorities of negligence. With no alternative road available, traffic remained halted, affecting buses, school and college students, and daily commuters. Bajpe police provided security at the spot.
Administrative intervention
The deputy commissioner’s office intervened, with PWD engineer Hemant holding discussions with the affected family, their advocate Pradeep D’Souza, and court officials. Vehicle movement was later restored after Hemant assured that the matter would be resolved by evening.
Advocate Pradeep D’Souza alleged that even officials from the DC office had ignored the court’s 2017 order and had intimidated the landowner by stating that decisions would be taken only after reviewing files. He confirmed that fencing the land was the family’s only recourse to enforce the court order.
Landowner’s perspective
Andri D Almeida, representing the family, said, “In 2008, our shed, coconut trees, and land were taken over for road construction without consent. Despite the 2017 court order, officials delayed action for over a decade, causing repeated harassment. Due to my heart ailment, I cannot continue visiting offices, so we reclaimed our land by fencing it.”
Deputy tahsildar Stephen reportedly told the landowner’s advocate that the road could be removed if a court order existed, prompting the family to take action, which triggered objections from the public. PWD engineers Hemant and AE Preetham were present during discussions.
Conclusion
The incident underscores longstanding delays in implementing court orders and highlights public frustration over administrative inaction, especially when it disrupts daily life. Authorities have promised expedited resolution to prevent further traffic disruption.