MADIKERI: Serious allegations of illegal land use have surfaced in Kodagu district, where a Shadi Mahal is allegedly being constructed on land originally donated for a government school. The controversy, which has erupted within the Napoklu gram panchayat limits, has sparked sharp protests among villagers and raised questions about land records, administrative oversight, and political patronage.
The disputed site is located in Cheriyaparambu village under Napoklu panchayat in Madikeri taluk. According to local residents, the land on which the Shadi Mahal is being built was donated decades ago by villagers to benefit the local government-run Karnataka Public School. They allege that the land has now been encroached upon and diverted for commercial use under the guise of community infrastructure.
Construction is being carried out by the Napoklu Town Muslim Jamaat, which began work after a foundation stone ceremony held last month. The event was attended by Madikeri MLA A.S. Ponnanna, adding a political dimension to the issue. However, as construction reached the plinth level and further work was about to begin, objections from villagers intensified.
Local residents allege that the land was never meant for private or community halls and that its conversion violates the original purpose for which it was donated. Ambi Kariyappa, a villager, has submitted written complaints to both the district administration and the local MLA, demanding an immediate halt to the construction and a detailed land survey.
“This land was given for a school to benefit future generations. Turning it into a Shadi Mahal is a betrayal of public trust,” residents alleged, claiming that the issue has disturbed communal harmony and peace in the village.
In response to mounting pressure, Kodagu Deputy Commissioner has ordered an immediate suspension of the construction work. Officials confirmed that a comprehensive land survey has been initiated to verify ownership and usage rights. Construction will remain halted until the survey is completed and legal clarity is established.
The Napoklu Muslim Jamaat has strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the land legally belongs to them and that they possess valid documents to support their claim. Jamaat representatives alleged that the controversy is being fuelled for political reasons and accused certain groups of attempting to stall a long-pending community project.
According to the Jamaat, Napoklu town has lacked a Shadi Mahal for over three decades. They claim that the project gained momentum after the state government sanctioned ₹1 crore for its construction, following efforts by MLA Ponnanna. “Some people are unable to accept this development and are resorting to false allegations,” Jamaat members alleged.
However, critics argue that even if government funds have been sanctioned, construction cannot proceed on disputed land. They also questioned how approvals were granted without conclusively establishing land ownership, pointing to serious lapses in administrative due diligence.
Legal experts note that if the land is proven to be part of school property or public land, the construction would amount to illegal encroachment, inviting strict legal action under land and education department regulations.
Following the escalation, MLA AS Ponnanna has directed district officials to conduct an impartial survey and submit a detailed report. “Truth must come out. No construction should violate the law,” he said.
As the survey gets underway, the controversy has reignited debates over land misuse, politicisation of community projects, and the need for transparency in approving large constructions. Villagers insist that development should not come at the cost of public assets meant for education.
The district administration has assured that further action will be taken strictly based on survey findings, even as tensions remain high in the area.
