Chikkamagalur CMC razes illegal houses amid protest; warns of criminal cases

CHIKKAMAGALUR: The Chikkamagalur City Municipal Council, which had launched a crackdown on illegal slaughter houses, has now started pulling down illegal houses using earthmovers.

Five houses, which were built illegally in Indira Gandhi Layout, were razed as the owners, who are from other states, did not have any property documents. They have been staying in locality for about 10 years now.

As the houses were being pulled down, the owners got into an argument with the officials saying, “Run the JCB over us” and blocked the earthmovers. They even found support in some local Congress leaders.

Locals arguing with CMC officials.

However, the civic body, with police protection, went ahead with the demolition, supervised by CMC president Venugopal and commissioner Basavaraj.

The civic body has prepared a list of over 20 such houses and intends to take action against the other illegal constructions too.

“Illegal sheds were constructed on CMC land despite several warnings. People from other states are being brought here and allowed to live in the sheds. This could be a potential danger. Only those with proper documents can build houses with permission from the CMC. We will also not hesitate to file criminal cases against those constructing houses illegally”, the CMC commissioner said.