Mangaluru: Tension prevailed at Kaikamba village on Monday, January 19, after local residents staged a protest by laying siege to the village accountant’s office, alleging attempts to hush up a fake land title deed case dating back to 2018. The agitation was triggered by claims that a staff member was being unfairly targeted to shield those actually responsible for the alleged land record irregularities.
Allegations of fake land title deed resurface
According to local sources, the controversy centres on a land title deed allegedly forged and issued in 2018 to a resident falling under the Kuppepadavu gram panchayat limits. Despite complaints being raised over the years, villagers alleged that the issue was never conclusively addressed by the revenue authorities, leading to growing resentment and suspicion.
Residents claimed that instead of ensuring accountability, certain officials were attempting to bury the matter. The situation escalated when village accountant Muttappa allegedly asked office staff member Rajani to step out of the office and then locked the premises, a move that villagers interpreted as an attempt to avoid scrutiny.
Staff member falls ill, triggering public outrage
Rajani, who was reportedly distressed over allegations that she was being portrayed as a scapegoat in the fake title deed case, allegedly collapsed soon after being asked to leave the office. She was said to be mentally shaken by the incident and required medical attention.
News of her condition spread quickly in the village. Fearing that an innocent staff member was being harassed while the main issue was being suppressed, local residents rushed to the office and began protesting by surrounding the building. They demanded clarity on the alleged scam and questioned why action had not been taken against those who issued the purported fake document.
Protest over alleged attempt to suppress land scam
The protesters alleged that there was a deliberate attempt to cover up the fake land title deed irregularities. They demanded an immediate and transparent investigation, along with legal action against all officials involved, regardless of rank.
Members of the Kuppepadavu gram panchayat joined the agitation, stating that land record manipulation directly affects ordinary citizens and undermines public trust in the administration. Protesters warned that if the issue was ignored again, they would intensify their agitation.
Revenue officials intervene amid heated exchange
Following information about the protest, Gurupur hobli deputy tahsildar Stephen and revenue inspector Poornachandra arrived at the spot. Eyewitnesses said a heated argument broke out between the officials and village accountant Muttappa in full public view.
The deputy tahsildar reportedly reprimanded the village accountant, stating that pressure appeared to be mounting to suppress the fake title deed case. He questioned the decision to send staff out of the office and lock the premises, observing that such actions only strengthened public suspicion and anger.
Villagers demand transparency and accountability
Local resident Vishwanath Pakaje, speaking to the media, said a thorough probe was non-negotiable. “The fake title deed case must be investigated honestly. The issue has already been brought to the notice of the MLA, and during the gram panchayat general meeting, we were assured that an inquiry would be conducted,” he said.
He added that villagers rushed to the spot after receiving a phone call stating that Rajani was contemplating suicide. “We admitted her to hospital immediately and then began the protest. Based on assurances given by officials, we have temporarily withdrawn the agitation. If a complete inquiry is not conducted, villagers will resume protests,” he warned.
Rajani denies wrongdoing, breaks down before officials
After assurances were given and the protest was withdrawn, revenue officials visited the primary health centre to enquire about Rajani’s health. During the interaction, she reportedly broke down in tears and maintained that she had not committed any wrongdoing.
According to sources, Rajani said she was being falsely accused and mentally harassed. She reportedly told officials that continued allegations and pressure could drive her to take an extreme step, highlighting the emotional distress she was undergoing.
Assurance of inquiry calms situation
Addressing the villagers, deputy tahsildar Stephen stated that an investigation into the fake title deed case had already been initiated. He suggested that differences of opinion between the village accountant and the staff member may have led to the incident.
He assured residents that the matter would be resolved at the earliest and that no innocent person would be victimised. Following this assurance, villagers dispersed peacefully, though they cautioned that they would closely monitor the progress of the inquiry.
Police presence maintains order
Bajpe police personnel were deployed at the scene to maintain law and order. No untoward incidents were reported during the protest, and the situation remained under control throughout.
Conclusion
The incident has once again brought the spotlight on alleged land record irregularities and the functioning of revenue offices. While officials have promised a probe, villagers insist that only a transparent investigation and strict action against those responsible will restore public confidence in the system.