"The Art of Living has not encroached on any land. The five acre land was purchased by R Raghu from Gangu Belliappa on November 25, 2002. Since then, the premises has been utilised with the permission of the landlord for conducting yoga and meditation classes.
"Krishna said the boundary wall was built according to the sketch given by the authorities concerned at the time of registration of the papers. "
MUDA had notified 184 acres and the final notification was done only for 73 acres 28 guntas (by regularising the same for the persons who supported for their requirements).
“Out of the 73 acres 28 guntas, the final notification was issued only for five acres and 28 guntas (five acres belonging to the Art of Living and 28 guntas to another individual). With the help of the Forest Department, we have planted 450 forest trees around that area.
"As mentioned by Lakshmana, the Alanahalli tank does not exist in that area. To harvest rainwater, a small bund has been made,” he said. He further said that Lakshmana had earlier threatened the volunteers of the Art of Living while shifting an 11kv powerline despite AoL having obtained permission from the officials concerned.
“It seems Lakshmana is also expecting some returns from the organisation. We have just been asserting our legal rights. It is absurd to say we have received any favours from B S Yeddyurappa. The principal secretary at that time, through his letter to the taluk office, had said they will take a decision, but have not done so,” Krishna said.