In a significant crackdown on land encroachment, Bengaluru police have arrested two individuals for allegedly constructing and selling illegal houses on government-owned land. The illicit activity came to light during preparations for key infrastructure projects under the Bengaluru Smart City initiative.
Smart City Project Uncovers Encroachment
The case revolves around a prime parcel of land that was designated for development by Bengaluru Smart City Limited and BSWLR Ltd. In 2023, these agencies floated tenders and issued official work orders for proposed projects intended to benefit the public. However, during subsequent inspections, a shocking discovery was made.
Officials found that nearly four acres of the valuable government land had been unlawfully occupied. The accused had constructed makeshift residential structures on this property without any form of authorisation or valid permits. These unauthorised houses were then allegedly offered for sale to unsuspecting buyers, turning public land into a source of private profit.
Details of the Illegal Operation
The arrested individuals are accused of orchestrating a scheme to illegally develop and monetise land that did not belong to them. By building basic housing structures, they created an illusion of legitimate property, which was then marketed and sold. This not only represents a serious financial fraud against buyers but also a direct theft of public resources.
The encroachment posed a major obstacle for the Bengaluru Smart City projects, which are critical urban development initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure and livability in the city. The illegal occupation forced authorities to halt planned work, causing potential delays and financial losses to the public exchequer.
Legal Action and Broader Implications
The arrest of the two accused marks the beginning of legal proceedings in this case. They face charges related to land grabbing, cheating, criminal conspiracy, and violations of various land revenue and municipal laws. Investigations are ongoing to determine if more people were involved in the illegal scheme.
This incident highlights the persistent challenge of land encroachment in rapidly growing cities like Bengaluru. It underscores the need for:
- Stronger vigilance by land-owning government agencies.
- Regular audits of land parcels earmarked for public projects.
- Public awareness to prevent citizens from falling prey to illegal property schemes.
The Bengaluru development authorities have reiterated their commitment to protecting government land and ensuring that planned projects face no unlawful hindrances. This case serves as a warning to those attempting to illegally profit from public assets.
