Madikeri: A report related to the encroachment of land attached to the Sri Bhagandeshwara-Talacauvery Temple has been submitted to the Kodagu district administration.The report follows complaints filed by Kodagu Ekikaran Ranga and Kodagu Seva Kendra Madikeri, alleging that influential persons have encroached on the land attached to the noted temples. The report was prepared under the direction of the Lokayukta.The complaint is that temple land in Bhagamandala and surrounding villages has been encroached upon by 40 individuals. The land in question falls under the jurisdiction of the muzrai department. When TOI contacted Kodagu DC Venkat Raja, he said that action will be taken shortly over the encroachment issue.The land issue dates back to 2012 when a task force was initially formed to investigate the charges. A survey conducted in 2013 identified 71 encroachments, but the officials later claimed that the file was lost. Despite subsequent complaints and surveys, no action was taken until the Lokayukta intervened.A recent survey by the land records and survey and settlement department was initiated to check the encroachments. The Kodagu Ekikaran Ranga, represented by secretary TM Somaiah, has been fighting the case, emphasising the need for accountability and action to reclaim the temple’s land.
