NHAI says compensation for sandalwood farmers has been filed in court

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Friday clarified that compensation to TN Vishukumar, a sandalwood farmer who allegedly tried to end his life near Vidhana Soudha while demanding long delay in compensation by NHAI, has been filed in the Supreme Court.

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

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

NHAI, however, said that compensation for sandalwood trees on Vishukumaru lands was assessed and paid as per the rates fixed by the forest department. Subsequently, the High Court increased the compensation amount.

“NHAI accepted the increased compensation and deposited the amount demanded in court. However, the land owner refused to accept the compensation amount deposited in due process of law,” NHAI said in a statement.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 01:07 IST