BENGALURU: On Thursday around 6 AM, residents of Saraipalya in Thanisandra, north Bengaluru, were awakened by the sound of heavy machinery demolishing their homes. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) executed the demolition on survey numbers 28/1 and 28/2 of Thanisandra village.
BDA superintendent K Lakshmi Ganesh informed TOI that approximately 22 “illegal” structures across two acres were taken down, including nine godowns, a car garage, and a furniture shed. Around 12 families were living in the sheds, which are on land designated as BDA property. However, locals reported that over 60 structures were demolished.
When questioned about whether residents received prior notifications, Ganesh stated that the BDA adhered to standard procedures. This area falls under the Byatarayanapura assembly constituency, represented by Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Social media videos capture residents confronting officials about the demolitions. One resident claimed her property was legally registered, and she provided receipts for property tax and betterment charges. “The area has a Cauvery water connection, sewer lines, and electricity, along with concrete roads. How can they demolish our homes so suddenly?” she asked, stating she had lived there for over twenty years and had an e-khata for her property.
