17.06.10 Mangalore : Gregory Patrao’s (GP) family members have gone on a fast until justice is done to them, from 17th June at 10Am with the help of sympathizers and well wishers, after losing their ancient family home and agricultural property to KIADB under duress. The fasting is undertaken at the gates of DCO near SBI in Mangalore, with public appeals to join in the struggle. It is a case of destruction of agricultural fields in the name of Industrial development, it was alleged in the open meeting. The satyagraha of Patrao started with his burning a torch. T.R.Bhat who spoke next told the listeners that law – breakers of today were law-makers yesterday. About Rs. 25 lakhs worth of belongings were looted by KIADB (crops, Jewellery, home appliances etc.) and they should be returned to him. Gregory won the election to the Bala GP, recently. All criminal cases hoisted on Patrao family should be withdrawn, Bhat urged. He asked DC to punish the erring KIADB officers who demolished his (GP) house in a hurry.
The fast continued till 6Pm in heavy rains at the Hamilton Circle in the city.