TV
A dispute over encroachment of school land has come to light in the Keredi Panchayat of Kandhamal district. In protest, the villagers of Keredi reportedly blocked the Phulbani-Berhampur National Highway No. 157 on Tuesday.
As per reports, police and Phulbani Tehsildar arrived at the site of the incident and tried to pacify the agitated crowd.
According to the villagers, a person has forcibly occupied a part of the school playground land belonging to Keredi High School and constructed a house on it.
The villagers had submitted a memorandum to the district Collector a week earlier, demanding the eviction of the illegal structure. However, since there was no resolution even after seven days, the locals resorted to the road blockade in protest.
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"After the eviction, there will be enough places available for the school playground and construction of quarters. A college is also likely to be opened at the place in future," said Birupakhya Mallick, a villager.
Meanwhile, Malati Dighal, a woman who has been living at the place with her family for some years, has alleged that the villagers are tormenting her.
Following the controversy, Phulbani Tehsildar reportedly launched an inquiry at the spot with the help of local police. A notice has been issued to Malati to vacate the encroached place immediately.
However, no comments could be obtained from the district administration about the controversy.
