Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JD)

Mangaluru, Jan 11: A family from Adyapady, Bajpe has been running pillar to post for the past 10 years seeking compensation that was due to them for the land they had given up for the expansion of Mangalore International Airport.

Now, the court has ordered seizure of the movable property of the assistant commissioner's office until the full compensation amount is paid.

Joseph D'Souza of Adyapady had given up 4.5 acres of his agricultural land in 2005 for the expansion of the airport, and he was supposed to get a compensation of Rs 59 lac. However, the family did not receive the amount, except for Rs 13 lac as first installment in 2006. The family was also given 12 cents of land in Bajpe, where they built a house.

Since 2006, Joseph has been visiting government offices in an effort to receive the remaining amount of Rs 46 lac. He then approached the court, which ordered the revenue department to pay the compensation. However, it did not happen. Joseph claims that he never offered bribe to any official all these years.

Thereafter, the principal civil judge (senior division) who heard the case ordered the seizure of the furniture and other property of the assistant commissioner's office. Accordingly, court officials along with the aggrieved family arrived at the AC's office.

After the furniture and other items are seized, time will be given to the assistant commissioner to clear the compensation and release the seized items. Otherwise, auction will be held in an open court.

Meanwhile, assistant commmissioner Dr D R Ashok spoke to the family and sought 15 days' time to clear the compensation.

Speaking to daijiworld, Dr Ashok said, "I will write to the government on this matter. Once the amount comes from the government, I will submit the same in court to be paid as compensation and release the furniture."