Bengaluru, 29 Dec

A team from the Karnataka State Human Rights Commission (KSHRC) on Monday visited Kogilu in north Bengaluru, where several allegedly illegal houses were demolished earlier this month, and said that, prima facie, alternative arrangements for displaced residents did not appear to have been adequately made.

KSHRC chairperson T Sham Bhatt said the matter has been referred to the commission’s investigation wing to examine allegations of human rights violations and to verify whether due legal process was followed during the demolition. Based on the preliminary findings, the commission will issue initial recommendations to the government.

The demolitions at Waseem Layout and Fakir Colony in Kogilu were carried out on 20 December by Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited to clear encroachments for a proposed solid waste processing unit. Officials have maintained that the structures were built without official permission and that most occupants were migrants from other states.

Bhatt said commission officers would conduct detailed inquiries, during which affected residents would be required to submit relevant documents. “If the land is government-owned, we will examine the records and make appropriate recommendations to the government,” he told reporters.

Residents have alleged that no alternative accommodation was provided before the demolition. Bhatt noted that while some media reports suggested temporary shelter centres were set up at distant locations, all claims would be independently verified. “Considering all factors, we will make preliminary recommendations now, followed by a detailed report after a full inquiry,” he said.

 Responding to questions, Bhatt said that based on residents’ accounts, there appeared to be a prima facie human rights violation, but stressed that no conclusion could be drawn without document verification. Notices have been issued to the district deputy commissioner and the Greater Bengaluru Authority, seeking reports within seven days.

The preliminary recommendations are expected to focus on providing temporary shelters and basic amenities, including drinking water, to affected families. 

Will act against land thieves: DKS

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited Kogilu Fakir Colony on Monday amid the ongoing illegal house demolition drive, vowing strict action against “land thieves.”

He said the government had allocated the land for solid waste management years ago, but some people built sheds overnight without voter lists. Shivakumar noted that local MLAs had raised the issue and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will hold a meeting to address the situation. Eligible evictees will be rehabilitated under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme.