Bengaluru, 3 May

One hundred and twenty-eight days after Bengaluru’s civic authorities demolished their homes, residents of Kogilu layout still await the rehabilitation that the State government promised them. Without proper shelter, the residents were earlier forced to face the severe cold, and now face scorching heat and rain.

Residents alleged that the demolition was carried out by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) without any prior legal notice, and despite their showing proper documentation. Many of the residents were living there for years.

The Kogilu layout slum residents' struggle committee has given the government a 15-day deadline, warning of an indefinite protest if rehabilitation is not provided. Petitioner Zaiba, who filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Karnataka High Court,  said that the next hearing is scheduled for 9 June, 2026.

She stated that Karnataka Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda and Housing, Waqf and Minority Welfare Minister Zamir Ahmed Khan had promised houses under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation scheme, but the promise remains unfulfilled.

Muni Anjanappa from the Praja Vimochana Chaluvali said Dalit and Muslim families now feel betrayed and warned of continuous day and night protests if no action is taken.

Residents Shabana, Haseena and Narayanamma demanded either proper housing or land rights to rebuild their homes. Shabana and Khader B also alleged that flat keys and Hakku Patra documents were given earlier, but were later taken back by officials.

Maiyappa from Bhoomi Mattu Vasanta Vanchitara Korata told Salar News that officials should now come and see the conditions the people are forced to live in.

“Come sleep here for one day without a fan,” he said. On the one hand there’s a lot of dust, on the other there’s no water to bathe.”

He alleged that the State government betrayed the people, and that the Congress only acted when it was seeking votes.