A Bengaluru-based social activist and advocate has filed a criminal complaint against Karnataka Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and her husband, former chief secretary Rajneesh Goel, alleging encroachment of a footpath and public land in HSR Layout.

The complaint was submitted to the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) by social activist T. Narasimha Murthy, who alleged that the couple had extended their occupation beyond the sanctioned boundary of their residential property in Sector 6 of HSR Layout.

Allegations of footpath encroachment

According to the complaint, the property owners are joint khata holders of a residential site on 1st B Main Road in MCHS Layout. Murthy alleged that permanent steel-frame structures had been erected on a portion of the footpath adjoining the property, obstructing public movement and effectively converting public space into private use.

The activist further claimed that the property, originally allotted by the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) for residential purposes, had been commercially exploited through rental arrangements, allegedly in violation of allotment conditions.

Documentary evidence submitted

Murthy stated that he had submitted supporting documents, including e-khata records and photographs, which he claims show the property’s boundaries and the alleged encroachment on the public footpath.

The complaint invokes provisions of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, relating to unauthorised structures on public streets, encroachment of corporation land and unauthorised use of civic property. It also refers to relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Demand for investigation

The activist has requested the BMTF to register a First Information Report (FIR) and conduct a detailed investigation, including a spot inspection and survey of the property.

He has also sought the removal of any structures found to be illegally occupying public land and the restoration of the footpath for public use. In addition, he urged authorities to examine whether any BDA allotment conditions or service conduct rules were violated.

The allegations have been made in a formal complaint and are yet to be independently verified. Authorities have not publicly commented on the matter at the time of reporting. Shalini Rajneesh and former chief secretary Rajneesh Goel.