Noted singer accused of land grab

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The local people led by the Arannur Ward Councillor blocked the Poojappura-Jagathy Road on Sunday morning alleging that singer M G Sreekumar had encroached upon a land near the Jagathy bridge. The road was blocked for nearly half an hour. The protestors dispersed after the district administration promised to investigate the issue.With protest simmering, the ADM has ordered a survey on Monday to cross-check whether there really was an encroachment. Preliminary investigations show that no encroachment has taken place, the ADM said.  But, according to Arannur ward Councillor Jayalakshmi R, the singer had encroached upon nearly five cents of land, which included a drain constructed by the Irrigation Department and ‘puramboke’ land. Sreekumar has property near the disputed land and had encroached upon the five cents, she alleged.‘’We blocked the road after no action was forthcoming. We called off the agitation after the Poojappura CI promised to investigate,’’ Jayalakshmi said. The ADM has ordered the village officer concerned to check the records and conduct a survey on Monday. ‘’Prima facie, no encroachment has taken place. But to make sure, I’ve ordered a survey on Monday,’’ the ADM said.  The Poojappura police said that they would register a case, if need be, after an investigation. However, they have registered a case against the protestors for blocking the road.