Under-construction temple demolition sparks protests

 Residents of Kukkrahalli in the city staged a protest against Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) for demolishing an under-construction temple on Vishwamanava Double Road near Kukkrahalli lake.

The agitating residents also demanded demolition of the building which houses a bar and restaurant owned by the son of a powerful political leader, a few yards from the temple in question. They pointed out that the bar and restaurant also encroached upon the rajakaluve (feeder channel) connecting the lake. The temple is being constructed on the footpath attached to the rajakaluve.

When the MCC authorities commenced the demolition drive at 5.15 am, a large number of residents took to the streets to protest against the civic body. The agitators said, a powerful politician has encroached upon the rajakaluve itself and has constructed a house, and hence the authorities should first vacate that land.

The agitators also alleged that the authorities have shown disrespect to B R Ambedkar by defacing a banner with his portrait, which was tied near the temple structure.

Several government institutions and the University of Mysore have encroached upon the land of Kukkrahalli lake and also the rajakaluve, but the MCC authorities are harassing only the hapless villagers by demolishing temple, they alleged.
MLA Vasu visited the spot and tried to pacify the agitators.