More than 100 families living near the Kadugondanahalli (KG Halli) railway gate were left homeless on Friday morning after an eviction drive by the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and local police. The operation, conducted to clear alleged encroachments for the doubling of the railway line under the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), reduced large portions of 29 multi-storey houses to rubble within hours.

By Sunday night, several families were camping along the railway tracks, surrounded by debris and salvaged belongings, waiting for clarity on compensation and resettlement. While officials have reportedly offered verbal assurances of assistance, residents said no written communication or alternative housing had been provided.

Families claim no notice before demolition

Residents alleged that they had been promised four additional days to vacate the premises, but the demolition began without prior notice.
“Friday morning, while many of us were still inside, they began operating bulldozers,” said Sandhya, 23, pointing to the remains of her home. “That yellow wall there was ours—it’s gone now.”

Videos recorded by locals show police using lathis as residents scrambled to retrieve their belongings. Sneha, an IT professional, said she was injured while being forced out. “My clothes and documents are all gone. We are mostly women here, now living without toilets or sanitation. I was hit on my back and needed medical care,” she said.

The area was home to a largely Tamil-speaking Dalit community, along with a few Muslim families. Residents claimed that officials who visited earlier had misled them under the guise of conducting a “survey.”

“They took our personal details, even our blood groups. Later, we realised it might have been some kind of consent form. We can’t read Kannada. None of us expected this,” said Anita, 37, a homemaker.

Survivors camp near the tracks amid chaos

Since Friday, evicted residents have been living in makeshift tents near the tracks, supported by volunteers and civil society groups. NGOs have been providing food, water, and basic relief supplies.

“I saw the situation yesterday and was shocked,” said Aishwarya R, a human rights activist assisting on the ground. “Women and children pleaded for more time, but police intimidated them. These are vulnerable families left to fend for themselves.”

Kasturi, a 27-year-old domestic worker, said she was beaten while holding her young son. “My shoulders still hurt. I lost my home and everything I owned. I only have my child now,” she said.

Residents produce documents, question ‘encroachment’ tag

Although railway officials termed the demolished homes “encroachments,” several residents produced documents that appeared to contradict the claim.

A grant order reviewed by The Times of India showed that the erstwhile BBMP had sanctioned ₹4 lakh in 2017 under a government housing scheme for SC/ST families. Residents said they had electricity and water connections and had been paying bills for years.

“Our constructions were approved by civic authorities. No one told us this was railway land,” said Mohammed Abdullah, a construction worker. “If they wanted us to vacate, they should have given us time. Instead, they came with police and bulldozers.”

Railways and police defend eviction process

Sufficient notice given: SWR

The South Western Railway (SWR) denied allegations that residents were caught unawares, maintaining that due process was followed.
“We cannot demolish properties without permission. Multiple warnings were issued beforehand. The encroachment clearances were legal and necessary for the rail project,” said an SWR spokesperson.

We only assisted railways: Police

Police officials stated they were not responsible for planning or executing the demolition, but only provided assistance to the railways.
“Our personnel provided protection for the eviction. The railways had requested assistance several months ago,” said D. Devaraja, Deputy Commissioner of Police (East). “We ensured minimal use of force.”

Legal recourse and uncertain future

Residents are preparing to file petitions before the Karnataka High Court this week, seeking relief and questioning the legality of the eviction. Activists have also urged the state government to intervene and provide temporary housing to the displaced families.

For now, the debris near the KG Halli railway gate stands as a grim reminder of homes lost — and a community waiting for justice