Palike intensifies drive to sound warning bell to tax defaulters

The Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike will intensify its drive against the property tax defaulters.

In a meeting held on Monday, BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah directed revenue officials to carry out the drum beating drive extensively and publish names and addresses of major defaulters at all public places such as parks, playgrounds and roads leading to the tax defaulters' houses and buildings.

He also directed the officials to hand over the list of the tax defaulters to the local Residents’ Welfare Associations (RWAs) and encouraged them to try any method within the framework of law to make the defaulters fall in line.

Siddaiah's directions coincided with Palike officials beating drums at HM Towers on Brigade Road.

The building owner has reportedly defaulted to the tune of Rs 2.6 crore. According to a press statement, the building has been erected on 66,000 sq ft area. But the owner of the property is said to have furnished false information under the self assessment scheme (SAS), undervaluing the dimension of the building to evade taxes.

As per the declaration under the SAS, the property owner was supposed to pay Rs 1.3 crore, which he has not paid. Palike officials have issued a notice to the owner to pay the tax amount.

Palike sources said the revenue department would park a garbage-laden truck in front of the building till the time tax is not paid.