Bharatiya Kisan Sangh State Secretary Asokan accused actor Prakash Raj, an advocate of the Dravidian model in Tamil Nadu of illegally occupying a watercourse and obstructing a public road in the Kodaikanal hills. Prakash Raj’s residence, situated near the Pethuparai Aravi Waterfall in Kodaikanal, was flagged during a farmers’ grievance redressal meeting in August 2023 for unauthorized construction activities.
Following complaints, both the Revenue Department and the Panchayat Administration launched investigations. It was found that Prakash Raj had built a house exceeding the permissible size of 600 square feet without obtaining proper permissions. Additionally, allegations surfaced that he encroached upon the Varangatu stream adjacent to his property and installed a solar electric fence on a public road frequented by farmers.
Bharatiya Kisan Sangh State Secretary Asokan stated, “Prakash Raj has constructed a house larger than regulations allow in a marshy area and encroached upon the Varangatu stream. Furthermore, he has obstructed the public path at the entrance to his garden with a solar electric fence. This path is crucial for farmers commuting between Pethuparai Field and Bharati Anna Nagar. The closure of this road at night hinders farmers’ access to their fields and their ability to protect crops from wild animals. Moreover, he unlawfully flattened the swamp using machinery. The district administration must take immediate action in this matter.”
Addressing the issue, Bhagyalakshmi, president of Vilpatti Panchayat, confirmed that Prakash Raj had received a notice for constructing a house without permission. She added that Prakash Raj claimed to have applied online for the necessary permits, and assured that actions would be taken promptly.
Kodaikanal District Development Officer Prabhakaran acknowledged the notice issued by the panchayat regarding Prakash Raj’s unauthorized construction. He noted ongoing legal challenges from citizens concerning this matter and emphasized that the revenue department would address complaints regarding stream encroachment and road obstruction.
Tehsildar Karthikeyan stated, “Prakash Raj has blocked a public road in the Pethuparai area. If the local administration submits a complaint regarding stream encroachment, measurements and investigations will follow. Notices will be issued accordingly by the revenue department.” This ongoing issue highlights the complexities of land use and legal compliance in the Kodaikanal Hills, impacting both local residents and the environment.
Now we know why he was sucking up to the Dravida Model government, they demolished temples and houses of poor people but this intellectual pimp will not be touched… pic.twitter.com/ZKh2NeytSN
— Vishwatma 🇮🇳 ( மோடியின் குடும்பம் ) (@HLKodo) June 16, 2024
It is to be noted that in January 2024, the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court requested a report from the Tamil Nadu government regarding actions taken against actors Prakash Raj and Bobby Simha. This request came in response to allegations of encroachment on government land in Kodaikanal’s Vilapatti panchayat for the construction of bungalows. A petition filed by Muhammad Junaid from the Dindigul district prompted this judicial action. Junaid claimed that Raj and Simha had attempted to build their bungalows without adhering to regulations and without obtaining permission from the Kodaikanal Municipality. He further alleged the use of heavy machinery to transport mountain rocks to the construction site.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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