They had gone to demolish her house

Nagamangala: A woman reportedly consumed pesticides in a bid to end her life in front of Government officials who had come to demolish her house as per the orders from Lokayukta.

The incident took place at Hullenahalli village, Devalapura hobli in Nagamangala taluk recently and the woman, who attempted suicide, is Hombalamma and she has been admitted to Adichunchanagiri Hospital at Bellur.

Hombalamma’s specially abled son Venkatesh had taken loan from Karadahalli Gram Panchayat and had constructed a house. He had obtained license from the Gram Panchayat to construct the house and CESC had provided power connection to the house and was living in the house along with his mother.

Meanwhile, Hombalamma’s neighbour, accusing that his property was encroached by Hombalamma and Venkatesh, had moved the Court and had also complained to the Lokayukta. 

As the Lokayukta had ordered demolition of the encroached property, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) Rangaswamy and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Chandramouli, along with Police personnel arrived at the village to demolish the part of the encroached house.

On seeing the demolition squad, Hombalamma, son Venkatesh and daughter Lakshmi protested against the demolition move and wordy duel ensued between the family members and the officials for more than an hour. 

Venkatesh said that the Gram Panchayat had given license to construct the house. “The officials should first take measurements before demolishing the encroached part. It is not right on the part of officials to take action like this on a handicap person like me. We have not encroached anyone’s property or place. Let the officials first take measurement and then take action,” he added.

Not knowing what to do and to prevent her house from being demolished, Hombalamma reportedly consumed pesticides in a bid to commit suicide much to the shock of the officials.

The officials, who were shocked on seeing Homballama consuming pesticides, immediately summoned an ambulance and rushed her to the General Hospital and later shifted her to Adichunchanagiri Hospital at Bellur for further treatment. The officials had to go back without demolishing the house.

Meanwhile, PDO Rangaswamy said that both the parties had approached a Court over encroachment. “Now, the Lokayukta has ordered us to get the encroached part of the house demolished and submit a report before Aug. 30 and it is our duty to follow the order,” he added.