Mangaluru: Mangaluru City North MLA Y Bharath Shetty on Wednesday demanded a comprehensive investigation into the controversial Kogilu Layout issue, alleging that a larger conspiracy was at play and urging the Karnataka government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly.

Addressing reporters, Shetty criticised the state government’s handling of the eviction and rehabilitation process following the demolition drive at Kogilu Layout in Bengaluru. He questioned the decision to relocate displaced families to Baiyyappanahalli, nearly 7 kilometres away from the demolition site, without first verifying the identities and credentials of those who were evicted.

Allegations of conspiracy and political motives

Shetty alleged that the government’s actions suggested more than administrative lapses and hinted at a “major conspiracy” behind the developments. He objected strongly to the government describing the relocation exercise as a “one-time measure,” stating that such terminology raised serious doubts about transparency and intent.

“There is a major conspiracy behind this, and it must be investigated in detail,” Shetty said. According to him, only an SIT with wide-ranging powers could uncover whether irregularities had occurred and who was responsible for them.

He further claimed that the relocation decision appeared politically motivated and alleged that pressure from senior Congress leaders, including AICC general secretary K C Venugopal, may have influenced the move. “This entire exercise seems to be driven by vote-bank politics rather than concern for genuine beneficiaries,” he alleged.

Questions over identity verification

A key concern raised by the BJP MLA was the absence of proper verification of the people displaced from Kogilu Layout. Shetty questioned how the government could proceed with constructing or allotting houses when the identities of those being rehabilitated were yet to be clearly established.

“In the last two-and-a-half years, the government has not provided even a single house to the poor of the state,” he said. “When such is the condition of our own people, what is the justification for building houses for those whose identities are yet to be verified?”

Referring to satellite imagery available on Google prior to 2023, Shetty alleged that the area did not show signs of such dense habitation earlier. He claimed this raised suspicion that illegal migrants might have been brought and settled there after the Congress came to power in Karnataka. While he did not provide documentary proof, he insisted that these aspects warranted serious investigation.

Allegations against housing minister

Shetty also expressed suspicion about the possible involvement of Housing Minister B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan in the developments related to Kogilu Layout. He said his party was exploring legal options to challenge the government’s actions and seek accountability.

“The government must clarify who authorised these decisions and under what rules,” he said, adding that public trust would erode if such sensitive matters were handled without due process.

He posed a pointed question to the ruling dispensation: “Would the government extend similar concessions if land belonging to the chief minister, deputy chief minister or the housing minister was encroached upon?” According to Shetty, unequal application of law would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the rule of law.

Comparison with disaster-affected families

Highlighting what he termed as selective compassion, Shetty compared the Kogilu Layout rehabilitation with the plight of families who lost their homes due to natural disasters such as floods and landslides in various parts of Karnataka.

“While the government is eager to build houses for those displaced at Kogilu Layout, it has failed to provide homes to people who lost everything due to natural calamities,” he said. “This injustice will not be forgiven by the people.”

He argued that thousands of disaster-affected families were still awaiting permanent housing despite repeated assurances. According to him, prioritising one group without clear verification, while neglecting others with proven need, reflected misplaced priorities.

Inner Line Permit and policy suggestions

On the broader issue of migration and resource allocation, Shetty said the possibility of implementing an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Karnataka could be examined. However, he stressed that such a step should be preceded by a comprehensive data collection exercise.

“The state must first gather accurate data on people who do not own land or houses,” he said. “Only then can a suitable and fair policy be evolved that balances humanitarian concerns with the interests of local residents.”

Conclusion

The Kogilu Layout issue has once again brought questions of urban planning, migration, rehabilitation and political accountability to the forefront in Karnataka. With demands for an SIT probe growing louder, the government is likely to face increased pressure to explain its decisions and ensure transparency. Whether the allegations of conspiracy and political motivation will stand scrutiny remains to be seen, but the controversy underscores the need for clear policies and equitable treatment in matters affecting housing and livelihoods.