I need to document a recurring and serious issue on my Sevlani land.
Sutha’s worker’s brother-in-law has been repeatedly cutting the barbed wire and removing or breaking fence posts in specific areas along the back boundary. After damaging the fence, he has been intentionally allowing his goats to enter my land.
These goats are not only grazing on general vegetation — they are also eating my young Sevlani coconut trees, which are still in their early growth stage. This does not appear to be accidental. It feels like a deliberate act aimed at damaging my property and destroying my investment.
A few weeks ago, I had already warned him over the phone to stop this behavior. He was clearly told that if this continued, I would be forced to take further action. Despite the warning, the trespassing and damage have continued.
This situation is very serious. These coconut trees represent a significant long-term investment and are critical to future yields. If the damage persists, I will have no choice but to file formal complaints — potentially with the local authorities, the panchayat, or even the police.
Recent Escalation – Goat Seizure
Yesterday, the masons working on the land opposite my Sevlani plot (who are currently installing a perimeter fence) informed me that goats had entered my land. I instructed them to drive the goats out. Today, the same issue occurred again around 4 PM.
I immediately asked the mason and my workers to capture any goats found within my property. I also contacted the President of the local Farmers’ Society and explained the situation. He confirmed that this was a known and ongoing issue in the area and advised me to contact a person in Periyopullo who is responsible for capturing trespassing livestock and holding them until a fine is paid by the owner.
Following his advice, seven goats were seized from my land. The President also informed the livestock control person to visit my land and take appropriate action.
Unfortunately, these goats did not belong to the earlier-mentioned individual (Sutha’s brother-in-law), but instead to two different women, who also failed to prevent their goats from entering my land.
Confrontation and Evidence Gathering
Sutha’s brother-in-law was seen nearby on a different piece of land. I asked my staff to speak to him and request that he come to meet me.
He complied, and during the conversation, we recorded both audio and video as evidence, in case legal action becomes necessary.
We confronted him directly, stating that we knew he was responsible for allowing his goats into my land. Initially, he denied ownership, claiming the goats were not his. However, one of my masons — who had witnessed the situation over several days — confirmed seeing him with the same goats on multiple consecutive days.
He was informed that seven goats were seized from my land earlier that day and handed over to the proper authority. He was warned that any future incidents involving his or others' goats would be handled in the same way. Additionally, I made it clear that three of my dogs would be stationed on the property from now on, and that I would not be responsible for any injuries sustained by animals trespassing onto my land.