Rayagada: Five members of a family Monday attempted to commit suicide by consuming pesticide at the grievance cell of the Rayagada district Collector, alleging they had been denied justice in a long-running land dispute and were facing repeated threats and attacks. However, their attempts were frustrated after officials displayed promptitude and snatched away the pesticide bottle from their hands, averting a possible tragedy. The family members threatened to consume the pesticide if they did not get justice.
According to the family, Yadla Gangulu of Jemadeipentha village under the Seshakhal police station in Rayagada block has been cultivating a piece of government land for more than 40 years. He alleged that some villagers were trying to forcibly take possession of the land and that his family had been attacked and threatened when they resisted. Gangulu said he had lodged a complaint with Seshakhal police. Police and Rayagada tehsil officials later visited the site and warned both sides against taking any forcible action over the disputed land.
However, Gangulu alleged that the opposing group continued trying to take possession despite the officials’ warning. He said he had repeatedly approached the police and administration and had also appealed to the former district Collector for justice. However, the dispute remained unresolved while the threat and attacks on him and his family are only increasing day by day. This has forced him and his family to live in state of panic and fear. Frustrated, he and his family members decided to take the extreme step. He sought protection for his family and an impartial inquiry into the land dispute. When contacted, Rayagada Collector Ashutosh Kulkarni said the matter would be investigated promptly, and legal action would be taken.
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