The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Land row holding up memorial: State

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Thursday, Jun 19, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Land row holding up memorial: State

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The Government has told the Karnataka High Court that the construction of a tomb in memory of the 18th century freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna could not be completed as there is a dispute over the land.

The State made this statement in the court of Justice K. Bhaktavatsala when a case relating to the failure of the State Government to execute several works relating to the beautification of a village in Belgaum district, where Sangolli Rayanna and 13 of his associates were buried, came up for hearing.

In their petition, Gurulingappa Shivalingappa Hittanagi, president of Sangolli Rayanna Smaraka Abhivruddhi Samasthe, and another person, said the Government passed an order in 1997 detailing several measures to develop Nandaged, the place where Sangolli Rayanna was hanged to death by the British.

They said the State not only planned to beautify the spot where Sangolli Rayanna and his 13 associates were hanged but also start an educational institution in his name apart from installing his statue.

The petitioners said the tombs of Sangolli Rayanna and his associates were in disrepair and steps have not been taken to preserve and protect them. Moreover, the banyan tree from which they were hanged is also in need of protection. The school, started in the name of Sangolli Rayanna, is housed in an APMC godown and lacks basic facilities.

They said the State had, on July 3, 1997, come out with measures to beautify the area around the burial site. Except for the promise to install a statue of Sangolli Rayanna, none of the other assurances had been kept, the petitioners said.

The Government, in its statement of objections, said of the eight projects, seven had been completed. Work on the tomb of Sangolli Rayanna could not be constructed as the land on which it is housed is under litigation.

The State said the land dispute is still pending before the Judicial Magistrate First Class, Belgaum district.

Mr. Bhaktavatsala adjourned further hearing on the case.

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