Vijayawada: The Nidamanuru temple lands are now embroiled in a controversy. The land was given to ‘Jangamas’ for their livelihood but has been sold three times.
Based on the facts, the High Court has ordered verification. The Revenue administration is pooling up the available data from the endowments department and also sought legal opinion over the same.
As per R.S. Nos. 221/1 and 222/2 of Nidamanuru Panchayat of Vijayawada rural mandal, 12 acres 42 cents belonging to the endowments department was given to Jangamas for their livelihood. This land falls under Sree Rajeswara Swamyvaari Devasthanam (SRSD), Nidamanuru.
In this, nince families of Jangamas have been enjoying the rights as issued by the endowments department. However, one acre land was sold by one of the nine families to a private individual, about which the endowments department was clueless for several years.
A case in this regard was also going on in the district court. In the meantime, the remaining land was sold thrice to different individuals.
Following the controversy on ownership, the individuals approached the endowments and revenue administration departments, and found that they were cheated in the entire transaction.
When asked about the same, a revenue official of the Penamaluru mandal stated that the endowments also took a note of the same and informed the higher-ups over the happenings.
“In fact, Jangamas, who were given the land, have no right to sell them, as they are supposed to enjoy the income generated from cultivation on those lands,” the revenue official said.
The endowments department also has similar findings and informed the government and Krishna district administration about the happening in a detailed report.
Following the intervention of a minister from Krishna district, the case has been referred to the Revenue Divisional Officer. It is learnt that RDO is conducting a hearing to go to roots of the case.
Officers from the endowments department and also individuals who purchased those lands have to appear for the hearing, the revenue official said.
