Bengaluru Demolitions Spark Outrage as Muslim Leaders Condemn BDA Action
Homes razed without notice in Thanisandra leave families homeless, community leaders demand accountability and rehabilitation.
Fresh demolitions carried out by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in north Bengaluru have drawn strong condemnation from Muslim religious and community leaders. Around 22 homes were demolished in Thanisandra without prior notice, leaving several families homeless and distressed.
The demolition drive took place in Thoba Layout near Nagawara, where residents said officials arrived early in the morning with police personnel and heavy machinery. Families were allegedly asked to vacate immediately before their houses were pulled down.
Maulana Mufti Dr. Md Maqsood Imran Rashadi, Imam and Khateeb of Jamia Masjid, Bengaluru, visited the affected area after the incident. Expressing solidarity with the residents, he described the demolitions as deeply unjust and inhumane.
“The bulldozer action against minority houses in Bengaluru has shamed humanity,” Rashadi said. He criticised the demolitions carried out without any notice, calling them a clear act of oppression that has caused irreversible harm to families.
He also said that Muslim religious and community leaders have met the Chief Minister of Karnataka to convey their strong concern over the incident. They have demanded strict action against the officials responsible, along with immediate rehabilitation and resettlement of the displaced families.
Mufti Iftikhar Ahmed Qasmi, President of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Karnataka, also criticised the government’s response. Questioning claims that the authorities were unaware of the demolitions, he said such explanations raise serious concerns about governance.
“If the government truly had no knowledge, then who is running the administration?” Qasmi asked. He added that a government supported by minority communities cannot justify what he described as divisive and insensitive actions.
Qasmi warned that the lack of accountability reflects a worrying erosion of humanity and has increased public anger. He called for immediate disciplinary action against erring officials and fair rehabilitation of affected families to rebuild trust.
According to residents, many of the demolished homes had valid documents, including e-khata certificates, electricity connections, and property papers. Several families, including women and people with health issues, were left without shelter overnight.
As earlier reported by Maktoob, the BDA later admitted that no written notices were served to the residents before the demolition. BDA Commissioner P. Manivannan acknowledged a preliminary lapse by the agency’s Special Task Force, stating there was no record of notices being issued.
The BDA has since announced rehabilitation measures and ordered an inquiry into the incident. Retired Justice Niyaz Ahmed has been appointed to investigate the matter and submit a report within 30 days. However, community leaders insist that only firm accountability and justice will prevent further alienation of marginalised communities.
