A Madhya Pradesh man dressed up in banana leaves, reaches collector's office to protest encroachment on government land

In a striking display of frustration and silent protest, a villager in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district arrived at the District Collector’s public hearing on Tuesday with his complaint wrapped not in paper, but in banana leaves draped all over his body, as reported by Amar Ujala. The unconventional act quickly became a topic of discussion, drawing attention to alleged inaction over land encroachment in his village.

Protester alleges year-long inaction on encroachment complaint
The protester, Pannalal Sen, a resident of Lala Kheda village in Daloda tehsil, claimed that a private dharamshala had been illegally built on government land in his village. According to Sen, he had lodged a formal complaint about the issue a year ago, but the administration neither initiated an inquiry, nor took any substantial action.

“I had to take this step out of compulsion,” Sen told the media. “When no one listens, one is forced to resort to such means to shake up the system. I wrapped banana leaves around my body so that somehow my voice is heard.”

A lone protest in public interest
Pannalal Sen is not a public representative, nor is he an activist affiliated with any organisation. Described as a concerned citizen, he has independently pursued the matter in public interest, repeatedly filing complaints and following up with local officials using his personal resources.

Silent act raises questions about official apathy
Outside the Collector’s office, Sen’s silent protest stood out. There were no slogans, no banners, only a lone figure wrapped in green leaves, presenting what some onlookers saw as a stark symbol of citizen helplessness and administrative indifference.

According to those present, the act served as a pointed reminder of the consequences of government inaction. The protest also brought to light broader concerns around alleged corruption and negligence, with public property being encroached upon due to the apparent apathy of local officials.