Bengaluru Court Takes Legal Action Against Senior Officials in Mass Demolition Case
In a significant legal development, the 7th additional chief judicial magistrate in Bengaluru city has officially registered a private complaint report (PCR) targeting five high-ranking government officials. This action stems from the controversial demolition of more than 200 residential houses in the Kogilu area near Yelahanka, which occurred in December of the previous year.
Officials Named in the Complaint
The complaint specifically names four Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers and one Indian Police Service (IPS) officer. The individuals implicated include:
- Maheshwar Rao, Chief Commissioner of the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA)
- Jagadish, Deputy Commissioner of Bengaluru Urban district
- Pommala Sunil Kumar, Commissioner of the Bengaluru North City Corporation
- Karee Gowda, Chief Executive Officer of Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited
- Seemant Kumar Singh, Commissioner of Bengaluru Police
Background and Allegations
The complaint was filed by an advocate who highlighted that the Yelahanka police refused to register a First Information Report (FIR) when approached in December regarding the demolition. The advocate's submission to the court emphasized gross violations of fundamental rights during the demolition process, which was allegedly carried out under the direct supervision of these five officials.
According to the complaint, the demolition activities not only displaced hundreds of families but also raised serious legal and ethical concerns about the procedures followed by the authorities.
Legal Framework and Charges
The private complaint has been formally registered under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Additionally, the complainant has sought legal action against the accused officials under nine other sections of the law, though specific details of these sections were not disclosed in the initial report.
Responses from the Accused Officials
In response to the allegations, Maheshwar Rao stated that he had not yet received any official details regarding the court order and was therefore unable to comment substantively. Similarly, Seemant Kumar Singh declined to provide any comments on the matter, indicating a cautious approach from the accused parties as the legal process unfolds.
This case has drawn attention to the broader issues of urban development, housing rights, and accountability within governmental operations in Bengaluru. The court's acceptance of the private complaint marks a pivotal step in addressing the grievances of the affected residents and ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly investigated.
