‘Owner, BBMP engineers hand in glove in delaying demolition of unauthorised building’

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: Controversy has erupted over the alleged delays in demolishing an unauthorized building in Wilson Garden recently. Despite instructions from the chief commissioner of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), zonal officials, including the commissioner Vinoth Priya are criticised for their slow pace of works. Activist and complainant Anthony Das Kala claims that engineers and the building owner, Suresh Babu of the BJP are hand in glove to stall the demolition to obtain a stay order from the High Court.

The building in question on 6th Cross, Hombegowda Nagar ward, reportedly had its unauthorized floors marked but allegedly not being acted upon by the engineers, contributing to the building’s continued existence. Higher officials have allegedly been negligent with this issue, when taken up with them, Chief Engineer Rajesh, who was previously involved in a similar high-profile case where an unauthorized seven-story building collapse resulted in fatalities, has been criticized for not taking responsibility. The activist has called for an Lokayukta investigation into this matter and to ensure the unauthorized floors be demolished.