Tension in Belagavi as civic body takes up encroachment clearance drive

BELAGAVI:  Tension prevailed on Thursday morning when the Belagavi City Corporation undertook a drive to clear encroached land. Squatters on government land objected to the move by the civic body.

The corporation officials evicted many houses of Muslims that were built in Survey No.2026, near Goa Ways Circle in Belgaum. The officials also evacuated a shed belonging to a Ganapati temple. Pro-Hindu activists opposed clearing of the shed, but the officials went ahead with the drive.

The Corporation officials and the Police at the spot

Sri Ramasene Hindustan president Ramakant Konduskar, corporation member Girish Dongadi and other activists gathered at the spot. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ravindra Gadadi, led the police team which provided security at the place.

Ramakant Konduskar challenged the Belgaum Corporation officials, saying, “There are many people who have encroached on government land for private purposes. That land should be cleared before touching the shed that belongs to the temple. The shed was not constructed for personal use; rather, it was constructed for devotees to rest. This is not right. The road facilities and bridges are not in good shape. Taxpayers’ money is being wasted by the authorities. Instead of harassing innocent people, let them evacuate other encroached lands first”.

Sri Ramasene Hindustan president Ramakant Konduskar, who challenged the Corporation