Early morning on Thursday, residents of Saraipalya in Thanisandra, located in north Bengaluru, were jolted awake by the deafening roar of heavy machinery tearing down their homes. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) carried out a major demolition drive on survey numbers 28/1 and 28/2 of Thanisandra village, an action that has sparked significant controversy and distress.
The Official Stance and Conflicting Claims
According to BDA's superintendent of police K Lakshmi Ganesh, the authority's team demolished approximately 22 properties deemed illegal on a two-acre plot of land. Ganesh specified that the razed structures included nine godowns, a car garage, and a furniture shed. He asserted that around 12 families were living in the sheds and emphasized that the land is officially notified as BDA property.
However, this official account was strongly contested by local residents. They countered that the scale of destruction was far greater, claiming that over 60 structures were demolished in the operation. When questioned about whether prior notices were issued to the inhabitants, SP Ganesh evaded a direct answer, stating only that the BDA had followed standard procedures.
Residents' Anguish and Documentary Evidence
The demolition has left a trail of anger and helplessness. Disturbing videos circulating on social media platforms show distressed residents confronting authorities, demanding answers. One female resident presented a particularly compelling case, claiming her property was legally registered.
She showed tax receipts and other documents to journalists, stating she had paid betterment charges and property tax regularly. "The area has Cauvery water connection, sewerage lines, and power connection, apart from concrete roads," she argued, questioning the sudden action. She revealed she had been a resident for over two decades and even claimed to possess an e-khata for her property, a digital record of property ownership.
Political Context and Unanswered Questions
The locality falls under the Byatarayanapura assembly constituency, which is represented by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda. The incident raises serious questions about due process, the definition of "illegal" structures in rapidly urbanizing zones, and the communication between civic authorities and citizens.
The stark discrepancy between the BDA's count of 22 structures and the residents' claim of 60+ points to a significant gap in narratives. The core issues remain unresolved: Were adequate notices served? How were properties with apparent civic amenities and tax payments classified as illegal encroachments? The demolition drive has not only dismantled buildings but has also shattered the trust of long-term residents, leaving them seeking justice and clarity.
