Traders in Indiranagar fret over BBMP's eviction drive

The traditional businessmen, who have been running the show since the formation of the area, claim that they would lose livelihood if their commercial units were shut down while cracking down on the pubs, bars and restaurants in the area.

The owners of commercial units and the members of commercial and traders' associations in the area meet on Thursday and discussed ways to protect their basic rights.

The meeting follows a day after they met Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty.

S G Aditya, a member of Indiranagar Owners and Traders Welfare Association, said they met the Lokayukta on Wednesday with a memorandum seeking support.

While the Lokayukta heard their plea, he did not accept the memorandum due to legal reasons, he added.

“The Lokayukta asked us to come back with all details pertaining to the ongoing high court case. He asked for the case details, notice details and other legal documents," he said.

"He accepted that we (small traders) were facing problems and will lose livelihood if our commercial establishments are shut down. But also said that he could just request the court to put our appeal on the top,” Aditya added.

ALSO READ

Residents move Lokayukta against BBMP officials

Locals speak up against bars, shops in Indiranagar

Pleased with the Lokayukta's response, the members on Thursday discussed ways to strengthen their case. They also contemplated on appealing to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike to appoint a government lawyer to represent traders' version.

Residents are worried about the illegal parking and the pubs, bars and restaurants. But this has affected all the traders in Indiranagar. We are small time traders who supply daily essentials to citizens. We have been residing and working here for many years, we should not be displaced, voiced the shop owners at the meeting.

DH in its previous story had reported a division among the business community of Indiranagar.