A raging controversy has erupted in Bengaluru over the decision of Bruhut Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to demolish part of a pillar illegally built in the house of NSG Commando lieutenant Colonel Niranjan Kumar who was martyred during Pathankot terror attack built in a suburb. But BBMP sources indicted that it is just one foot of land they had earmarked and that would be demolished.
BBMP Joint Commissioner Sarfaraz Khan said they have already spoken to the family members about the demolition. He said "I am grateful to his family for immediately agreeing to clear one foot of the encroachment". His family has volunteered to remove the encroachment," he added.
Even as there is a strong sentiments aroused against demolition of martyr’s house, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had justified the move of the BBMP and said the demolition drive would continue. However the major Opposition BJP has expressed strong protest against the decision of the Government and said the Government should spare the house of martyr. Jagadish Shettar of the BJP asked the Government to spare the house of Niranjana who sacrificed his life during Pathankot terror attack.
The post deluge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ordered BBMP to demolish illegal building built on the Raja Kaluve or storm water drain in Bengaluru. The BBMP has started the demolishing drive and identified many areas where in houses have been built illegally on the storm water drain. The BBMP has also identified NSG Commando lt Col Niranjan Kumar’s house, a portion built illegally.
Niranjan’s brother Shashank asserted that it is definitely not a good thing and a shame to the country to see a national hero’s house being demolished. He said "we want more time and we would clear the encroachment." However he said “It is very hard for us to digest this because we have lost our brother in Pathankot attack and now we are seeing the house is being demolished. And it is not a good thing to see our national hero’s house being demolished”.
lt Col Niranjan, a member of the NSG's Bomb Disposal Squad, was killed while he was defusing the grenade at the scene of the terror attack as part of the combing operations that continued through the night. The demolition drive by BBMP has been undertaken to get rid of the encroachment on storm water drains in the city. Besides Kumar's home, 1100 more residences have been marked for the demolition drive.
Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara said if the house built by the family of Pathankot terror attack hero Niranjan Kumar is illegal, it has to be demolished. But he said late Niranjana’s family could be provided an alternative site.
He said "I don't have that information with me at the moment, but whatever Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBPM) is doing, if it is within the framework of the law and also somebody has constructed unauthorisedly, naturally they have to vacate."
He further said that the family of the late NSG Commando can be provided with alternate accommodation, or the government can help them construct a new house.
Meanwhile Siddaramaiah had earlier ordered action against 20 government officials for facilitating the encroachment over storm water drains in the city. He said that the BBMP officials have marked for demolition for one of the three pillars on which the house is standing.
Meanwhile, BBMP continued with its encroachment clearance drive and marked many more buildings for demolition in Vidyaranyapura. It had identified and marked properties at Yelahanka, Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bommanahalli, Mahadevapura and Yeshwantpur. The residents of these areas have strongly criticised the BBMP officials for asking them to make alternative arrangements.