A tragic incident unfolded in Karnataka’s Mandya district after a farmer set himself ablaze outside the District Administration Office, protesting what he called years of neglect by the authorities. The deceased, identified as Manjegowda, was rushed to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries on Tuesday afternoon but succumbed to his injuries during treatment the following day. His death has reignited debate over bureaucratic delays and government accountability in resolving long-pending land disputes that affect numerous farmers across the state.

According to preliminary reports, the conflict centered around a plot of farmland adjacent to a forest area. Manjegowda had repeatedly claimed that the state forest department was asserting ownership of his agricultural land, preventing him from cultivating it. Despite raising the issue multiple times with local authorities, including a formal complaint to the tehsildar’s office on October 18, no resolution came through. In his letter, he reportedly stated that he had taken a bank loan and was facing immense pressure due to the alleged encroachment and harassment from local individuals.

Eyewitnesses said Manjegowda arrived at the district office premises carrying a bottle of petrol. Before officials could intervene, he poured fuel over himself and set himself on fire in full public view. Police officers and bystanders immediately tried to extinguish the flames and arranged for his admission to a hospital, but the severity of his burns proved fatal. His death has sparked anger and sorrow in the local farming community, which has long demanded quicker responses to disputes involving forest and agricultural boundaries.

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Mandya Deputy Commissioner has ordered a detailed inquiry into the circumstances that led to the death. Preliminary investigations are being handled by the local police and district administration to verify records related to the disputed land and determine any lapses in official conduct. Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that a comprehensive report has been sought from the department’s local officials.

Farmers’ representatives have demanded immediate compensation for the victim’s family and a policy review to address similar cases where agricultural and forest boundaries overlap. The case underscores the growing frustrations among small farmers dealing with bureaucratic red tape, delayed surveys, and disputes that often leave them caught between financial strain and administrative apathy.

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