Bengaluru: Tension prevailed in the Thanisandra area of the city on Thursday morning after authorities carried out a demolition drive targeting houses allegedly built on encroached land near SRK Nagar. The operation, which began around 6 am, triggered strong protests from residents who claimed that their homes were demolished without any prior notice, leaving several families distressed and uncertain about their future.
Residents allege lack of notice and due process
According to local residents, officials arrived suddenly in the early hours and began demolishing houses using heavy machinery. Many residents said they were not served any written notice or warning before the action was taken, a claim that has intensified anger and mistrust towards the authorities.
Several affected families asserted that they possess valid ownership documents, including e-Khata certificates, and have been regularly paying property taxes over the years. They argued that these documents clearly establish their legal claim over the properties and questioned how such homes could be labelled as encroachments.
Residents also stated that they have been living in the area for nearly 20 years. Some claimed that they were earlier assured by local leader Krishnabhairagowda that there would be no issues regarding their housing, further adding to their sense of betrayal following the demolition.
Confusion over land ownership
After the demolition, residents said they were informed that the land on which their houses stood falls under the jurisdiction of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). This explanation, however, did little to calm tempers, as many questioned why the issue was being raised after decades of habitation.
Locals pointed out that they had been paying taxes and availing civic services for years, which, in their view, indicated recognition by authorities. “If this was BDA land, why were we allowed to live here for so long? Why were taxes collected from us?” one resident questioned.
The lack of clarity and communication from officials during the operation led to heated arguments at the site, with police personnel deployed to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Protest and warning of sit-in agitation
In protest against the demolition, residents gathered near the site and demanded immediate restoration of their houses or alternative arrangements. They warned that if their demands were ignored, they would stage a sit-in protest at the demolition site.
Community members said the demolition has not only rendered families homeless but also disrupted livelihoods, as many residents depend on nearby areas for work and schooling. Women and elderly residents were seen sitting amid debris, appealing to authorities to reconsider the action.
Activists and local representatives who visited the area criticised the early-morning timing of the operation, saying it left residents with little time to salvage belongings or seek legal recourse.
Echoes of Kogilu demolition drive
The Thanisandra demolition has drawn comparisons with a similar drive carried out recently in Kogilu, where houses in Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout were razed in the early hours of December 22. That operation, conducted by the Bengaluru Solid Waste Management Limited with the support of more than 150 police personnel, had sparked widespread outrage.
In Kogilu, bulldozers reportedly began demolishing houses around 4 am, with four JCBs deployed at the site. Nearly 400 families were rendered homeless as their dwellings were demolished without prior written notice, according to residents and civil society groups.
The Kogilu drive attracted sharp criticism from activists, opposition leaders and housing rights groups, who accused authorities of violating principles of natural justice and failing to provide rehabilitation options.
Growing concern over demolition practices
The back-to-back demolition drives have raised serious questions about urban governance, transparency and the rights of residents living in long-established settlements. Civil society organisations have pointed out that while encroachments need to be addressed, due process, humane treatment and proper rehabilitation are equally important.
Legal experts note that courts have repeatedly emphasised the need for prior notice, hearings and rehabilitation, especially when demolitions affect vulnerable communities. The absence of such safeguards, they warn, could invite legal challenges and erode public trust in institutions.
Residents in Thanisandra said they are now living in fear, uncertain whether more demolitions could follow. Many families are seeking legal advice and approaching elected representatives to intervene.
Authorities yet to issue detailed clarification
As of now, officials have not issued a detailed public statement addressing the allegations of lack of notice or clarifying the legal status of the land in question. Residents have demanded that authorities place all relevant documents in the public domain and explain why action was taken after several decades.
The presence of police during the demolition ensured law and order but did little to ease tensions, with emotions running high throughout the morning.
Conclusion
The demolition drive in Thanisandra has once again brought the spotlight on the human cost of urban redevelopment and anti-encroachment actions in Bengaluru. With residents alleging absence of notice and claiming valid documentation, the incident has sparked protests and renewed debate over fairness, transparency and rehabilitation. As memories of the Kogilu demolitions remain fresh, pressure is mounting on authorities to clarify their actions and ensure that future operations follow due process and protect the rights of affected families.