Karnataka CM on anti-encroachment: Big or influential, no one will be spared'

Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said no one, "however big and influential", would be spared for encroaching upon storm-water drains in the city, against which a drive is on.

"Action has been taken against several officials, both retired and those in service. Inquiry is underway. No one -- whether they are officials, builders, developers or any one -- if they have indulged in wrongdoing, they won't be spared," Siddaramaih told reporters.

Bengaluru Metropolitan Task force (BMTF) had yesterday filed an FIR against 20 officials from civic agencies, including six retired ones, in connection with encroachment and illegal construction on storm-water drains.

Property owners and developers have also been named in the FIR registered under various sections of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, Karnataka Municipal Corporation Act and IPC.

Following the Chief Minister's order, the city civic body, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, had on Saturday begun the demolition drive at Avani Sringeri Nagar in Bommanahalli, Kasavanahalli in Mahadevapura and Shivanahalli in Yelahanka.

It is being extended to other areas. Official sources said the drive was suspended today and will resume on Wednesday.

Recent incessant rains that had inundated streets, crippling normal life in several parts of the city, made government and civic authorities swing into action, taking up storm water drain clearance drive.

The Chief Minister also said security agencies have been put on high alert and asked to maintain a strict vigil during the Independence Day and Dussehra celebrations in the wake of the recent blast on a court premises here in which two persons were injured.