Officials’ Negligence Denies Dalits Justice In Land Dispute, Says Mala Mahanadu

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: Mala Mahanadu (Ramaji Group) leaders have accused revenue officials of negligence after land assigned to a Dalit farmer in Atlur mandal of Badvel taluk was allegedly transferred to members of the Reddy community, despite repeated complaints to district authorities. To that extent, they explained the details of the land dispute to Joint Collector Aditi Singh in Monday’s Grievance cell program. 

• Land granted, then taken away

National President Ramaji Emmanuel said the government had sanctioned four acres and 50 cents of land in Erramalli farm (survey number 345/2) to Dalit farmer Injeti Shanthan. “From that day till today, Shanthan’s son has been cultivating it. But in 2023, without notice, officials registered the land online in others’ names,” Emmanuel alleged.

• Officials silent despite complaints

Emmanuel said repeated appeals to the Kadapa District Collector and Badvel RDO in the Spandana grievance program yielded no response. “Government rules clearly state that cancelled Dalit land must be restored to them. Instead, it was given away to the Reddy community. It is a direct violation of the law,” he charged.

• Complaints ignored, evidence overlooked

Emmanuel alleged that Atlur mandal officials, including the MRO, VRO, Deputy Tahsildar and survey staff, have failed to act despite multiple petitions. Complaints to the State SC Commission were made, he said, “all evidence was handed over.”

He noted that despite approaching the State SC Commission, Dalit pleas were ignored, and later complained to the Lokayukta. “Even with complete evidence in hand, officials refused to act. Instead, they offered false replies,” he said.

• Call for SC/ST Atrocity case

Demanding accountability, Emmanuel urged that cases under the SC/ST Atrocities Act be booked against officials involved. “This is not just negligence; it is injustice. Dalits are denied both freedom and equality when the very laws meant to protect them are violated,” he remarked.

• Warning of protest

On behalf of Mala Mahanadu, State President Tallapalli Vinod Kumar appealed to intellectuals, officials, and civil society to support Shanthan’s family. “If officials continue to remain silent, we will be forced to hold a massive protest at the Chief Minister’s camp office,” he warned.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)