Tragic Death of Karnataka Farmer: Self-Immolation Over Unresolved Forest Land Dispute

The deputy commissioner of Mandya has ordered an investigation into the matter. (Representational)

Bengaluru:

A farmer in Karnataka's Mandya district lost his life on Wednesday following a self-immolation incident, which was reportedly prompted by prolonged governmental inaction regarding a land dispute. The farmer, identified as Manjegowda, set himself on fire outside the Mandya District Administration Office on Tuesday.

Bystanders and police officers quickly responded to extinguish the flames and transported Manjegowda to a medical facility. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.

According to reports, Manjegowda claimed that his agricultural land was situated adjacent to a forest area, and the state forest department had been asserting ownership over the disputed plot. This prevented him from cultivating the land and he received no compensation for his loss.

Sources from the district administration informed NDTV that Manjegowda had submitted an application to the Tehsildar on October 18, mentioning that he had taken a bank loan. In the application, he also addressed issues regarding encroachment on forest land and alleged harassment by three local individuals.

Frustrated by the lack of governmental response to his concerns, Manjegowda doused himself with petrol and self-immolated outside the district administration office.

The deputy commissioner of Mandya has initiated an investigation into the incident.

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre expressed that the incident was unfortunate. In a conversation with NDTV, Khandre mentioned that he has requested a report regarding the investigation from his officials.