BDA Establishes Judicial Committee to Investigate Thanisandra Demolition Drive
The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has taken a significant step by constituting a two-member committee comprising retired district judges. This judicial panel has been specifically tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry into the controversial removal of alleged encroachments at Thanisandra village, located within the Arkavathi Layout area of Bengaluru.
Official Notice and Committee Mandate
In a public notice issued on January 29, the BDA officially announced the appointment of this committee. The primary objective is to meticulously examine whether due procedure was properly followed during the demolition drive conducted on January 8. During this operation, approximately 22 structures described as 'illegal' were cleared from two acres of land.
Resident Claims and Property Transaction Concerns
Local residents have raised serious concerns, stating they had purchased these sites through various agents. This revelation has triggered fresh apprehensions about alleged illegal property transactions, drawing parallels to similar irregularities previously identified in the Kogilu Layout case. The situation highlights ongoing challenges in Bengaluru's urban development landscape.
Discrepancy in Demolition Figures
BDA officials earlier provided details to media outlets, indicating that the demolished structures included:
- Nine godowns
- A car garage
- A furniture shed
All these structures were located on land officially notified as BDA property. However, local residents have contested these figures, claiming that more than 60 structures were actually razed during the demolition drive. The affected north Bengaluru area falls under the Byatarayanapura assembly constituency, which is represented by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
BDA Chairman's Detailed Statement
BDA Chairman NA Haris provided comprehensive clarification on the situation, stating: "Many occupants had only lease or rent agreements on BDA land that was grabbed by individuals who built sheds and rented them to poor families. These individuals did not settle there on their own. While we sympathize with the poor and will work with the slum board to rehabilitate them, the core issue is that land grabbers are misusing them to safeguard the encroached land."
Haris further explained: "An inquiry will verify khata and other documents, and findings will be shared. About 20–30 families were present during the demolition; we provided food, shelter and toilets, and they later moved out. Those who took an advance or rent must refund it. Our approach is to curb unauthorized developments while ensuring affected poor families are supported and given adequate time to vacate before demolitions."
Judicial Inquiry Timeline and Process
The judicial inquiry is scheduled to commence after February 20, according to a committee member. One of the retired judges involved in the investigation elaborated on their methodology: "We will examine in detail the documents produced by each party, assess whether the action taken by BDA was legally correct, and then provide our professional opinion. Claims such as non-issuance of notices before the demolition will be examined based on official records."
The judge added: "All parties were asked to submit relevant documents. These documents include proof of occupation, details on how the house was acquired, how long the person was staying there, and what official records they possess. This comprehensive documentation review will form the basis of our investigation."
Broader Implications for Urban Governance
This case represents a critical test for urban governance in Bengaluru, balancing development needs with procedural compliance and resident welfare. The judicial committee's findings could establish important precedents for how similar encroachment cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding:
- Proper notification procedures before demolition
- Verification of property documents and ownership claims
- Rehabilitation measures for affected families
- Accountability in property transaction chains
The investigation's outcome will be closely watched by urban development authorities, legal experts, and residents across Bengaluru who face similar property-related challenges in rapidly developing urban areas.
