The Karnataka government on Monday announced alternative housing for 300 families displaced during the “anti-encroachment drive” on December 20 in the Shalimar Garden area of Kogilu village, Bengaluru district. The decision comes after sustained protests and pressure from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), which raised the voices of the affected families and sharply criticized the government’s demolition measures.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the action, stating that the structures were illegal and built on government land. The Chief Minister clarified that the demolition followed due legal process and the land was allocated for public use.
He emphasized that encroachment on government land would not be tolerated and noted that such illegal constructions could not occur without the knowledge of local revenue and municipal authorities. Orders have been issued for strict action against the concerned Tehsildars, Shirastadars, and BBMP officials.
From a humanitarian perspective, the Chief Minister instructed officials to identify the affected families and submit a list within two days. After consultations with the Deputy Chief Minister, Housing Minister B. Zamir Ahmed Khan, and the local MLA, the government decided to provide alternative housing in Baidyappanhalli, approximately 7 km from Kogilu.
The 1,087 government houses available in Baidyappanhalli are priced at around ₹11.20 lakh per unit. General category beneficiaries will receive a subsidy of up to ₹8.70 lakh, while SC/ST families will get up to ₹9.50 lakh. The remaining amount will be provided as small verified loans.
Housing Minister Zamir Ahmed Khan said eligible families will be verified and provided housing starting January 1. The Chief Minister clarified, “Despite the illegal constructions, alternative housing is being provided purely on humanitarian grounds, and this decision applies specifically to this case.”
Meanwhile, the SDPI has consistently protested the demolitions, staged sit-ins, and submitted memorandums to press the government. The party highlighted that women, children, and elderly residents were rendered homeless overnight and demanded immediate housing, compensation, and action against responsible officials. SDPI leaders stated that “the government took this decision only after continuous protests and pressure.”
On December 29, D.K. Shivakumar visited Fakir Colony and met with affected families. He noted that the land had been notified for a Solid Waste Management Unit nearly 9–10 years ago and posed a health hazard. He stated that several notices had been issued and stressed that the action was not targeted against any specific community.
Shivakumar also criticized Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for making political statements without verifying facts and intervening in Karnataka’s affairs. Vijayan had condemned the Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout demolitions, calling them “bulldozer rule” and alleging anti-Muslim politics.
The demolition began at 4 a.m. on December 20. Local residents told Maktoob that they had been living there for 20–30 years and possessed Aadhaar, voter ID, PAN, and ration cards. They claimed they were given no notice before the demolition.
Several families, including the elderly and children, were left exposed without food, water, or shelter. Some alleged that household items were damaged and electricity and internet connections had been cut a day prior.
Officials, however, claim that the houses were illegally built on government land near a pond and an Urdu government school, and that many residents had migrated from other states—a claim residents have strongly denied.
