Encroachment row: It’s Dalit activist vs forest department

Shivamogga: The foresters and Dalit organisations are at odds over the officials’ action of clearing the encroachment of land in Bhairapur village in NR Pura taluk in the neighbouring Chikkamagaluru district.

The land is under the jurisdiction of the Bhadravati forest division in Shivamogga district.

Chitrappa Yarabalu, a Dalit activist, was accused of encroaching on 3.1 acres of forest land and engaging in illegal brick-making. The spot is located close to Bhadra Tiger Reserve. The forest officials inspected the site last week and seized two tractor loads of bricks.

Dalit organisations have come out in support of Chitrappa, alleging harassment by the forest department. Chitrappa’s supporters argued that he was targeted for his RTI activism against the forest department’s illegal activities. The case sparked a controversy, with Dalit organisations accusing the forest department of vendetta.

Chitrappa also denied the allegations, stating he was cultivating the land granted to him by the govt. He claimed that the foresters hatched a conspiracy to defame him.

DCF (Bhadravati division) Ashish Reddy denied Chitrappa’s allegations. He said Chitrappa failed to respond to the notice issued by the department. “We will file the chargesheet in court,” he stated.

Courtesy : TOI

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