BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) has launched legal proceedings against 36 individuals for allegedly encroaching upon government land in Venkatala village near Yelahanka. This action comes after Anilkumar Arolikar, the tahsildar of Yelahanka, filed a complaint based on findings that residential houses were constructed on what is designated as ‘cart tracks’ or Bandi Dari, spanning 38 acres and 21 gunta.
Last year, concerned citizens brought the encroachment issue to the attention of the BMTF, prompting a joint survey by BBMP and Yelahanka taluk surveyors. Subsequently, notices were issued under the provisions of the Karnataka Land Reforms (KLR) Act to 36 individuals occupying plots across eight survey numbers, including areas initially designated as cart tracks. An FIR was registered by BMTF on June 21 under Section 192A for unlawful occupation of government land. According to officials, the investigation is ongoing, and the suspects named in the FIR are under scrutiny. The construction of these houses reportedly dates back at least 25 years, coinciding with the establishment of residential layouts in the area. However, authorities only became aware of the encroachments last year following public petitions, highlighting a lapse in monitoring and enforcement over the decades.
“This case underscores the importance of robust land governance and vigilance against illegal occupation,” commented a BMTF official, emphasizing the need for stringent enforcement measures to safeguard government properties from unauthorized use. Local residents and stakeholders have expressed concerns over the legal implications and potential consequences of the ongoing investigation, particularly given the historical nature of the encroachments and their recent legal scrutiny. The situation reflects broader challenges in urban planning and land management in Bengaluru, where encroachments on government land continue to pose regulatory and environmental challenges. As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to take decisive steps to address encroachments and ensure adherence to legal norms, aiming to restore order and accountability in land use practices across the city.
