MYSURU: Officials removed cottages built on kharab land on the banks of the river Cauvery at Kaveri Sangama, Srirangapatna near here on Wednesday.Cottages built by around six farmers were destroyed. This place is known for people performing the last rites of their near and dear ones and there are allegations that farmers use these cottages for commercial purposes. This enchroachment eviction drive witnessed high drama when a woman opposing it tried self-immolation and then tried to hang herself.The revenue & land survey department authorities started the drive at noon. A team of officials led by tahsildar D Nagesh started the drive, with Srirangapatna police providing security.When the drive started, local resident Nagaratna tried to immolate herself by pouring diesel on her body. Police stopped her from taking the extreme step. When authorities continued with the drive, Nagaratna tried to hang herself but police stopped that too. Another local resident Marilingegowda also tried to stop the drive, but in vain.Nagaratna told reporters: “We’re not involved in any illegal activities. We built cottages on the river bank for our livelihood. Devotees come and perform the last rites. Why is the revenue department interfering with it?”She alleged that the drive was taken up without notice. Her son Baalu alleged that revenue department authorities recently approached him seeking sale of the land. "When we declined to sell the land, they hatched a conspiracy to evict us," he said.Tahsildar D Nagesh said, “There are complaints of illegal activities here. A few people are doing boating and other illegal activities. This drive has been taken up to protect the sanctity of the place.”

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