Bengaluru: Tension prevailed in Kogilu village near Yelahanka in the early hours of Saturday after officials of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), backed by heavy police deployment, demolished more than 400 allegedly illegal houses in Fakir Colony and Waseem Layout. The demolition drive, which began around 4 am, left over 350 families homeless and triggered outrage among residents, activists and local groups.
According to GBA officials, the demolished structures had encroached upon government land adjoining a small pond near the Urdhu Government School. Authorities maintained that the action was part of an ongoing anti-encroachment drive aimed at reclaiming public land and preventing further illegal constructions.
Pre-dawn demolition operation
The operation was carried out in the pre-dawn hours, catching residents largely unprepared. Officials deployed four heavy earthmovers to raze the houses, while nearly 150 police personnel, including senior officers, were stationed at the site to prevent any law-and-order issues. Before the demolition began, LPG cylinders, stoves and other flammable materials were removed from the houses as a precautionary measure.
GBA officials stated that the houses were constructed without any official approval or land ownership documents. “This land belongs to the government and forms part of a waterbody buffer zone. Despite repeated warnings in the past, encroachment continued. Hence, action was inevitable,” a senior GBA officer said.
Residents dispute encroachment claims
Residents, however, strongly disputed the claims of illegal occupation. Many alleged that they had been living in the area for over two decades and were never served any prior notice before the demolition. They claimed that the sudden action violated basic principles of natural justice.
Pooja H.M., a member of Dudiyuva Janara Vedike, told DH that the affected families possessed valid Aadhaar cards, voter ID cards and other official documents. “These families survive on begging and odd jobs. Many have taken loans from banks. Several women are pregnant, and there was no concern for their health or safety. No prior notice was issued before demolishing their homes,” she said.
Thousands rendered homeless
With the demolition continuing through the morning, more than 3,000 people from nearly 400 families were rendered homeless. Makeshift homes collapsed within minutes, leaving residents scrambling to salvage whatever belongings they could.
Sarah Saif Saufik (26), a resident of the area, said her family had been living there for over 30 years. “They arrived suddenly around 4.30 am while we were asleep. We woke up to the sound of earthmovers. We were forced out and were not even allowed to take our bedsheets or blankets,” she said.
She added that over 500 children from the locality study in both government and private schools. “We have voter ID cards and have voted in every election. Ministers visited recently and promised roads, drinking water and housing. Today, we are on the streets. When we questioned the officials, the police assaulted us,” she alleged.
Police presence and allegations of force
Residents accused the police of using force when they protested against the demolition. While authorities denied any excesses, locals said that their appeals were ignored despite district administration officials visiting the site during the operation.
Activists claimed that officials neither provided alternative accommodation nor offered any immediate rehabilitation measures. “This is not just about encroachment. This is about livelihoods, children’s education and basic human dignity,” said a local social worker.
Authorities stand by action
GBA officials reiterated that the action was lawful and necessary. They claimed that many occupants had migrated from Hyderabad and parts of Andhra Pradesh and belonged to the Durvish community. “Encroachments around waterbodies pose serious environmental and public safety risks. We are acting as per the law,” an official said.
However, residents countered that long-term occupation and possession of identity documents should have warranted a rehabilitation plan rather than sudden eviction.
Conclusion
The demolition at Kogilu has once again brought into focus the growing conflict between urban development, environmental protection and the rights of the urban poor. While authorities insist the drive was necessary to reclaim public land, the lack of prior notice and rehabilitation has drawn sharp criticism. As hundreds of families spend the night without shelter, questions remain about accountability, due process and the humane implementation of anti-encroachment measures in Bengaluru.