Puttur, August 3, 2025: In a notable event on Friday, court-authorized representatives made their way to the premises of the Puttur Assistant Commissioner to enforce a seizure warrant for various movable properties, such as computer equipment, office furniture, and the official vehicle. This action is a consequence of the non-payment of a substantial sum of ₹14.93 lakh in land acquisition compensation to the affected landowners. The order originates from a judicial decree issued a few days prior, which instructed the recovery of the outstanding funds.
Court officials, Sanjeev and Ganesh, arrived at the Administrative Building's third floor at approximately 10:30 AM. The office manager, Nagaraj, was initially unavailable, reportedly due to his presence in ongoing court proceedings. Following a brief wait, the officials established their judicial authority, which led to Nagaraj's emergence post haste after interfacing with the government advocate's office situated within the taluk administration. The urgency of the matter was underscored by the court-imposed deadline of August 1 for the submission of confiscated assets.
SIT Probe Cited as Delay Tactic
Adding complexity to the unfolding situation, the office of the Assistant Commissioner has cited an active Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry as the rationale behind the delay in disbursing payments. On the 28th of July, the SIT submitted a letter to the judicial authorities concerning the examination of a Dharmasthala site, which may hold human remains. This information was brought to light during a recent court session.
Despite the ongoing investigation, the officials are urging for expedited financial compensation to the landowners. The office assured the claimants that the necessary financial arrangements would be made post the SIT’s completion of their duties. However, the affected landowners remain skeptical about the timely resolution of the matter. Advocates Santosh, Shivaprasad, and E. Gourish, who are representing the landowner's interests, were in attendance throughout the proceedings, reinforcing the court's unwavering stance on ensuring the timely payment of compensation as mandated by law.
High Court Stay Attempt Fails
In a bid to evade the seizure, the Assistant Commissioner’s office made multiple attempts to secure a stay order from the Karnataka High Court. Despite efforts continuing until Thursday morning, the plea was unsuccessful. Despite offering a bond as a guarantee for payment, the court officials went ahead with the seizure process, emphasizing the non-negotiable status of the judicial order. The affected landowners, who have been waiting for their rightful compensation, have voiced their dissatisfaction over the prolonged delays, suggesting that the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry is being used by the administration as an excuse to dodge responsibility. This situation has prompted discussions about the effectiveness of land acquisition procedures in Karnataka, leading to demands for stronger supervision to avoid future such lapses in accountability.
Keywords: Puttur land acquisition, Assistant Commissioner, asset seizure, court order, land compensation, SIT probe, Karnataka news, Dharmasthala investigation, High Court stay, judicial action
