As soon as the DMK government assumed power in Tamil Nadu, many of its local leaders have started grabbing vacant government land. In Vellore district’s Melmonavur village a local DMK leader grabbed vacant piece of land near a temple and started illegal constructions over it which was demolished and recovered by authorities on protest by the locals.

Near the district employment office in Amman Nagar, there is a temple land and a vacant government land (poromboke land) for public use. DMK branch secretary Siva grabbed this vacant piece of government land under the ruse that he was using the land for maintenance of the temple. He soon constructed a small bunker like structure with asbestos roof.

Later, it emerged that he was in illegal occupation of the land and constructed a illegal building adjacent to the temple. When local people protested against this illegal land grab, the DMK leader and his comrades intimidated them and threatened them.

According to J News, he reportedly boasted openly that nobody can do anything as his party that is in power in the state. The locals then registered a complaint with the District Collector seeking appropriate action and reclamation of the encroached government property.

Following their complaint, the government officials first investigated the matter and on finding illegal construction and land grab near the temple, they demolished the said illegal structure.

Timely intervention and complaints by local people and prompt action by the DC’s office, saved land grabbing and illegal constructions near temple.

News input and image source: J News

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