20 BDA, Palike officials booked for encroachment

The Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) on Thursday registered six cases against 20 serving and retired officials of the BBMP and BDA in connection with encroachments on stormwater drains.

A few builders and developers were also booked in this Regard.

The cases were registered based on a complaint filed by BBMP Commissioner N Manjunatha Prasad under Section 192 (A) and (B) of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, Section 436 (A) of the Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act, and Sections 217, 432, 434, 441, 427 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code. The charges include cheating, forgery, tampering with government documents and overlooking the topography of the area as mentioned in the village maps and revenue records.

Based on the Urban Development Department’s (UDD) directions, Prasad lodged complaints with BMTF.

The UDD order copy states that these officers did not mark  the presence of stormwater drains while sanctioning building plans. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting where he directed the UDD additional chief secretary to initiate stringent action against the erring officials.

Besides the 20 officials, builders and developers of the following buildings have also been booked by BMTF: Ansal Forte in Roopena Agrahara; EAPL Apartments (Thirumala Splendor) on Hosur Road; Avani Sringeri Layout in Nyanappanahalli near Begur; D Lakkanna and D Shantha who built a residential complex in BBMP’s Bommanahalli zone; owners of survey number 61/1A of Bilekahalli village; and developers of Shubh Enclave formed between Kasavanahalli and Kaigondanahalli villages on Sarjapura Road.