'KIAD Act has no provision for eviction'

 Speaking at a press meet here on Thursday, he opined that the Act itself is unfair and should have been challenged atleast 25 years ago. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) acts like a land bank, grabbing land and keeping it in its possession. There are hectares of land in KIADB’s control all over the State, he accused.

Speaking on the occasion, Gregory Patrao narrated how he has been targeted by vested interests. “They at first demolished my house and cattle shed and looted my property without any court order. Now, they are trying to tarnish my name,” Patrao said, amidst tears. His house was demolished by the KIADB for the III phase of Mangalore Refineries and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) on April 28.

Patrao said that he was not given prior notice about the demolition as claimed by the Tahsildar and the KIADB officials and expressed his suspicion that he is being targeted for filing a suit against them for not responding to his plea to extend the date of eviction.  Under which law was my property demolished and my family evicted, Patrao questioned.

The evicted family is now staying in a tent near the debris of their old house, which had a history of 300 years. Patrao is looking up to the Governor and Human Rights Commission to fight his case and for justice. Vice President of Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Samithi Willam D’Souza, activist Vidya Dinakar and others were present at the press meet.