Chikkamagaluru: In a desperate and symbolic protest over delayed compensation, a distressed farmer from Tarikere invited govt officials to attend his own death rituals as a way to highlight his plight.Farmer Vishu Kumar sent out invitations for his “death ceremony” on Monday, scheduling a condolence meeting at 10am followed by lunch at noon.
Kumar had parted with his land several years ago for national highway works but received what he claimed was meagre compensation. He had cultivated sandalwood on the farm, and while authorities assessed a lower payout, a local court later ordered a higher compensation amount for each tree.Despite the court directive, officials failed to comply, Kumar alleged. He further claimed that some officials even demanded a bribe when he approached them for the rightful amount. Frustrated by the inaction, he wrote to Union minister Nitin Gadkari seeking permission for euthanasia.Speaking to TOI, Kumar said his 1.5-acre land was notified in 2017, but he was not given scientific compensation, forcing him to approach the court. Even after the court’s order, the compensation was not processed, he added.Officials were not available for comment.
