Odisha: Couple Stages Fast-Unto-Death Protest Over 'Illegal Construction By Govt'

Dhenkanal: Braving the winter chills, a couple has been sitting on a fast-unto-death strike in front of the office of district Collector here for the last five days, protesting the forceful construction of a college building and boundary wall by the government on their registered home land.

Md Tarif Hussain and his wife, hailing from Jantaribolo near Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal alleged that not a single official from the district administration has come to their rescue despite having spent five winter nights under the open skies.

Tarif said he ran from pillar to post for justice, but to no avail; rather, he fell prey to the apathy and misbehaviour of the officials.

The couple alleged that the government has constructed a college on their land, while stating that the boundary wall of the college blocked all entry points to their house and has left no space for communication. "I had earlier met the Collector who showed me a letter addressed to the local Tehsildar and BDO, in which he has asked them to look into the matter. When I moved the local administration, the officials there tore apart the letter and dumped it," Tarif said.

"We have been sitting here under open sky in the chilly winter conditions for the last five days. But the officials have turned a blind eye to our plight," he alleged. Tarif further maintained that they will not withdraw until their demands are met.

The concerned officials are yet to comment on the allegations made by the couple.