The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday clarified that the compensation due to T.N. Vishukumar, a sandalwood farmer who allegedly attempted to end his life near Vidhana Soudha while claiming prolonged delays in compensation by the NHAI, has been deposited in the High Court.

Mr. Vishukumar, a farmer and sandalwood cultivator from Haliyur village in Tarikere taluk, allegedly attempted to take his life as a form of protest on June 2 near Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

According to the police, Vishukumar alleged that 1.5 acres of his land was acquired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) in 2016 for a highway project. He claimed that the NHAI had reduced the compensation amount and delayed its payment.

However, the NHAI stated that compensation for the sandalwood trees on Vishukumar’s land was assessed and paid as per the rates determined by the Forest Department. Subsequently, the High Court enhanced the compensation amount.

“NHAI accepted the enhanced compensation and deposited the requisite amount before the court. However, the landowner declined to accept the compensation amount deposited through the due legal process,” an NHAI statement said.