BENGALURU, 21 JAN

Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA R Munirathna faces fresh legal troubles after an FIR was lodged against him and six associates at the RMC Yard police station. The allegations arise from a purported land-grabbing incident and assault during a "forceful" demolition at the Akkamahadevi slum in Peenya on Monday.

Residents report that at approximately 10 am, a group of men arrived with two JCB machines, demanding they vacate their makeshift homes. Ganga, a slum dweller for over two-and-a-half years, recounted, "They started demolishing our houses and taking our valuables. We were just told to leave, with no prior warning or explanation."

Several residents allege Munirathna was present during the demolition but failed to halt the destruction. Govinda, another resident, expressed frustration, stating, "We asked him to stop and give us some time, but he told us to gather our valuables and leave immediately."

Women from the slum also reported being manhandled by Munirathna’s associates during the incident. They claimed they were kicked and pushed while pleading for intervention.

The residents assert that they have occupied the area for over three years, having received temporary permission from Munirathna, who had claimed the land belonged to a college. Govinda added, "We were told it was a temporary arrangement."

Following the demolition, families found themselves devastated, having lost their meagre possessions. A complaint was subsequently filed with the RMC Yard police, leading to charges of unlawful assembly, assault, and violations under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Munirathna and his associates.