Benglauru: Entrance of upscale Classic Orchard gated community demolished

Bengaluru: There was commotion at the upmarket Classic Orchards gated community on Bannerghatta Road on Wednesday, when BBMP and BMTF authorities tried to raze down the entrances of the complex despite an alleged stay order from the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission against demolition. The residents alleged that the authorities had exhibited high handedness in carrying out demolition without a valid order.

About 300 residents, who had bought property at a premium from Amalgamated Property Developers (APD), were in for a rude shock when they saw earth movers razing down their entrance without any notice. Shockingly, the complainant is the builder who sold the property to the gated community. Two office bearers of the APD property Owners’ Association were taken into preventive custody when they tried preventing authorities from demolishing their ‘expensive’ property.

The BBMP authorities claimed that it was a public property, as the same has been relinquished to the Palike by the builder, while the residents alleged that demolition was happening at the behest of the builder, who sold the gated property at premium price. In addition, the builder has a vested interest in Astha-Valmark, another property coming up at the rear side of the complex, alleged Subbu Hegde, president of the association.

Angry residents protest the demolition (Photo: R. Samuel)

“Since the new project, which is allegedly coming up on storm water drain, fire safety approval was mandatory. And it calls for having 60 feet wide roads. In order to get approval for his project, the builder has connived with BBMP authorities and relinquished the roads of the gated community, for which he has no power. Even the BBMP has no power to accept the relinquishment deed as it is not the planning body,” he alleged.

BMTF chief T. Suneel Kumar told Deccan Chronicle that roads of the community have been relinquished to the BBMP. In the wake of this it becomes public property and the same has been demolished for the benefit of movement of public. Until last week, there was a petition in the high court and the same has been withdrawn by the community last week. Following the request from the BBMP BMTF took up demolition drive, he added.

Hegde admitted that the case was withdrawn as it had not made builder a party and it was only the BDA. A fresh writ is being filed in the court against the builder. He also questioned the BTMF’s swift action in demolishing the gate without a valid order. He also alleged that false complaints were foisted against the office bearers for fighting lapses on part of the builder at the new project.