Opposition from locals stalls boy's rescue operation

The operation to retrieve the body of the boy, Thimmanna Hatti (in pic) trapped in the borewell in Sulekeri village of Badami taluk was temporarily suspended on Friday following severe opposition from the local people.

The villagers alleged that apart from the land of Hanumappa (father of the boy), the adjacent lands too were being destroyed on account of the digging to take the body out. The district administration, however, had continued with the operation fearing legal issues. However, hundreds of villagers staged a protest at the spot urging immediate suspension of the operation.

Deputy Commissioner P A Meghannavar said that the appeal by the family of the boy to stop the operation has been brought to the notice of the government. The opinion of Advocate General Prof Ravivarma Kumar has been sought on the legal issues that may arise if the rescue attempt is abandoned.

“We have also sought suggestion from Secretary to government, Revenue Department, Gaurav Gupta. Cracks have already developed around the borewell and experts have not ruled out the possibility of a landslide. We have sought expert opinion from Prof Srinivasamurthy of Soil Testing department of Indian Institute of Technology and Prof Galagali, the director of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam,” the DC said. He added that they would visit the spot on August 9 for a soil test.

A meeting of the elected representatives has been convened on Saturday to decide further course of action, he added.