DAVANAGERE: The Davangere municipal corporation and the taluk administration demolished about 34 illegally built houses in the Lokikere Road area, constructed on corporation land. Over 60 people, including women and children, were affected by the demolition drive.
The residents, who had been living in the area for several years, protested the demolition, but the authorities proceeded with the action, citing a court order. Congress corporator Nagaraj Pamenahalli, who came to support the affected residents, was allegedly manhandled by the police during the demolition drive and his shirt torn.
The tahsildar and the corporation had issued eviction orders about a month ago. The incident has sparked controversy, with locals questioning the administration’s actions and demanding alternative housing for the affected families who demanded that they be relocated elsewhere.