PHC inaugurated in Toralakki amid protests and controversies

Deputy Commissioner pacifies protesters

And finally, when the new building was inaugurated after 22 years, on Thursday, again it was amid controversies. People heaved a sigh of relief when finally a solution was reached out between the parties which were at loggerheads during the inauguration.
However, the solution was sought only after the building was inaugurated twice with two nameboards!

The Technical section of the Zilla Panchayat had organised the inauguration on Thursday. However, gram panchayat president Savitha complained to the Deputy Commissioner that there was a violation of the protocol on the nameboard and that she had sought permission to conduct a separate inauguration from the Panchayat.

Meanwhile, the ZP technical section continued with its programme at 12 noon. Accordingly, MLA S N Krishnaiah Shetty inaugurated the new building and delivered the key-note address.

JD(S) members protest

Just then, JD(S) party workers, led by former president of the Taluk Panchayat K Y Nanjegowda staged a dharna at the health centre premises, protesting against the inauguration.

On realising that the district administration had permitted for the inauguration of the building twice, an angry MLA called the Deputy Commissioner on the stage for an explanation. He sat on a dharna for more than four hours. Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Meena approached the MLA and tried to convince the protesting members.

S N Krishnaiah Shetty informed the Deputy Commissioner that illegal mining was taking place unabatedly in Tekal hobli. The people of this region were being constantly disturbed by the crushers which kept drilling into the regions. Tonnes of ore was being transported through lorries. The authorities concerned should take steps in this regard, he added. After the Deputy Commissioner assured to look into the matter. It was only after this that the dharna was recalled back by the MLA.

District Superintendent of Police Dr K Tyagarajan, In-charge police officer Bhagwan Das, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Shantappa, Tahshildar G V Nagaraj, Circle Inspector Sampath Kumar, Sub Inspectors Shivashankar and Subramani were present.