Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Updated
Mangalore, Jun 14: Hours after daijiworld reported the story on miscreants vandalising the 'katte' (tree shade) on Mallikate-Bendoor link road, two individuals were seen hurriedly removing the sharp-edged-nails and re-applying layers of cement over the sitting-pedestal of the tree.
On Wednesday afternoon, a bearded middle aged person, with golden glass frame, white striped shirt and dark shaded pants was seen monitoring the removal of nails from the 'katte' and applying cement on the pedestal. When this reporter tried to click a few photographs of re-plastering work, he argued, "Now we are removing the nails. Who are you? What is the problem? Why are you taking photographs?" The person probably in his late 50s refused to identify himself or whether he was carrying out the work on government order or on behest of a private party.
However, time and again the contractor was seen taking instruction from a security guard from a compound wall of the nearby house to stop photography of the over-laying work. But the contractor besides mere exchange of heated words did not indulge in physical obstruction of this reporter.
According to the local residents, the 'katte' has been existent for many years. It has served as a resting place frequented by the locals, senior citizens and schoolchildren waiting for the bus. "Despite the ongoing developments on the Mallikate-Bendoor link road, the trees and the katte have restored the road its old time charm. Although, there were few attempts by certain vested interests to uproot them," a local resident said.
Recently 'unknown-miscreants' had planted a series of sharp-edged nails on the Katte, which was a little over the height of three-feet and posed serious risk of fatal injury to children and other passerby's had they innocently tried to rest on it. Although, the tree was clearly located on the public road, 'unknown-miscreants' in a way had attempted to encroach a public property.
It is also unclear, how private individuals can conveniently attempt to alter, damage, deface, replace, demolish public property without any concern for other residents and also without any fear of repercussion of city administration or law and order.
Earlier Report
Mangaluru: 'Unknown' miscreants hammer nails on 'katte' to dissuade people from resting on it
Meghana Rokkad and Liza Sinojia
For daijiworld.com
Mangaluru, Jun 14: In an attempt to dissuade passersby from taking rest under the 'katte' (tree shade), miscreants have cemented sharp-edged-nail on the tree's pedestal at Mallikate-Bendoor link road. The local corporator, while acknowledging that she has received the complaint from a resident of the area, said that she is yet to notify police officials.
The incident of vandalism of public property was first noticed on Monday by 69-year old John (name changed) - who goes for a regular walk on Mallikatte-Bendoor link road (rear Inspection Bungalow).
"This pedestal has been here for many years. Like many other local residents and citizens, I used to take rest at this spot whenever I got exhausted. But on Monday, just before sitting, I casually swept my hand over the pedestal and to my horror found that a series of nails were carefully planted. Had I seated without inspection, it would have caused me grave injury," he said.
John said that he immediately took a few photographs of the damage to public property and circulated it in the local civic group of a social media. He also forwarded it to a few residents in the area and saw to it that the local corporator was appraised of the matter.
Speaking to daijiworld, corporator of Shivbagh ward Sabitha Misquith said that someone had informed her of the matter and she had in turn informed the respective officials to look into the incident. "But, I have been told by another resident that around midnight a few days earlier, drunken vagabonds had created ruckus and even paraded themselves naked standing over the pedestal and caused nuisance. Therefore to reduce such disturbance, someone might have taken such a measure. But, we don’t know who it is and I will be complaining to the local police about it," she said.
However another resident, Sangeeta (name changed) rubbished such claims and said that no such incident had taken place, if there was one it must be corroborated with police complaint or any official report. "In fact, many children, senior citizens, and walkers used the spot to rest or wait for their bus. But, we feel on behest of a local big-shot resident who lives close by, the resting pedestal may have been vandalized on purpose," Sangeeta said.
Evidently irritated due to this interview, Sabitha suggested this journalist that they must not sensationalise such matter, "You only want to make news out of the issue, so you ask me for quote. Why do you ask me just because I am the corporator? I have done my job. Ask others also before highlighting the problem," she said.
Meanwhile, members of Mangaluru Civic Group have proactively intimated to daijiworld that a formal complaint was registered on Tuesday at the office of the section engineer regarding the same for redressal of their grievance.