Bajpe: Landowners barricade state highway citing PWD negligence despite court order

Bajpe: Landowners barricade state highway citing PWD negligence despite court order

Mangalore Today News Network

Bajpe, Sep 25, 2025: On Wednesday, landowners in Manjanakatte reportedly erected barricades on a public road built on their private land, alleging that officials of the Public Works Department (PWD) failed to act despite a court ruling.

Cecilia, a resident of Manjanakatte on the Kinnigoli–Niddodi–Ganjimatha–Mangaluru state highway, stated that in 2008, the PWD constructed a road on her private property without informing her while she was abroad. She later approached the court in 2014, filing a petition against the PWD, the Tehsildar, and the Revenue Department, demanding either proper compensation or restoration of her land.

After hearings, the court in 2017 directed that either Cecilia be allotted an alternative plot or the road be vacated to return her land. However, over the years, the PWD and other officials reportedly ignored the court order and failed to provide compensation or remove the road.

On Wednesday, acting on the court’s orders, Cecilia, along with court-appointed officials Shivaram Rai and Deepak, and represented by lawyers Prajwal D’Souza and Jovial Crasta, marked the boundary of her property and began clearing the road. Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the state highway, and the public expressed anger toward the Revenue Department, Tehsildar, and District Administration.

Officials, including the President of Muchur Gram Panchayat, Revenue Inspector Poornachandra, and Deputy Tehsildar Stephen, arrived on-site and promised to take action after consultations with Cecilia’s son, Andrei D. Almeida, and court representatives. Frustrated by delays, the public confronted the officials.

The Tehsildar escalated the matter to the District Commissioner, following which PWD Engineer Hemant negotiated with the affected parties and assured resolution by evening. Vehicle movement was subsequently restored.

Due to officials’ negligence, the state highway closure disrupted buses, vehicles, and students traveling to schools and colleges on the Kinnigoli–Niddodi–Ganjimatha–Mangaluru route. Bajpe police were deployed to maintain order.

Allegation of violating court orders

The lawyers representing the landowners, Pradeep D’Souza and Prajwal D’Souza, stated that even District Administration staff ignored court orders and insisted they needed time to decide. They clarified that their clients proceeded to mark and barricade the property as per the court order, and further decisions will follow once the matter is resolved. PWD engineers Hemant and AE Preetham were present.

Tehsildar directs road clearing

Deputy Tehsildar Stephen informed the Tehsildar by phone, who confirmed that the road could be cleared according to the court order. While officials instructed clearing, some members of the public requested that the road not be removed, leading to tensions at the site.

Landowner’s statement

“In 2008, the state highway was built on our land, cutting down our shed and coconut trees, without notifying us. We approached the court, and in 2018, it ruled that proper arrangements should be made for us. Despite this, officials have neglected us for the past 10 years, and I have suffered from heart problems. We have now decided, through the court, to mark our property and erect a barricade.” – Andrei D. Almeida, affected landowner