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Karnataka Deputy CM Vows Crackdown on Kogilu Land Grabbing

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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 22:34 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Karnataka Deputy CM Vows Crackdown on Land Grabbing in Kogilu Amidst Rising Tensions

Bengaluru, December 30, 2025 – In a move signaling escalating concerns over illegal land occupation and encroachment of government property, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar conducted an inspection visit to Kogilu village on the outskirts of Bengaluru today. The visit followed weeks of simmering tensions between local residents and individuals allegedly involved in systematically grabbing government-owned land, sparking protests and raising serious questions about governance and law enforcement. Shivakumar issued a firm warning: his administration will not tolerate any further attempts at illegal land acquisition and will take stringent action against those responsible.

The Kogilu situation has become a flashpoint for broader anxieties surrounding land disputes in Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding peri-urban areas. The village, located within the Anekal taluk of Bangalore Urban district, is experiencing significant development pressure as developers eye available land for residential and commercial projects. This demand has fueled a surge in alleged fraudulent activities, with reports indicating that individuals are forging documents, intimidating landowners, and encroaching on government properties to claim ownership.

During his visit, Shivakumar was briefed by local officials and met with affected residents who voiced their grievances and presented evidence of the ongoing land grabbing attempts. He specifically addressed concerns about a large tract of land classified as ‘poromboke’ (government-owned vacant land) which is reportedly being targeted for illegal construction. "We have received numerous complaints from villagers regarding this issue," Shivakumar stated, "and we are taking it very seriously. We will not allow anyone to usurp government land and exploit the situation."

The Deputy CM's visit comes after a series of protests organized by local residents who claim they are being harassed and threatened by those involved in the alleged land grabbing racket. These protests gained momentum following reports that several families have already been forcibly evicted from their homes, allegedly at the hands of individuals claiming ownership based on forged documents. The situation has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty within the village.

Shivakumar announced a comprehensive investigation into the matter, promising to involve multiple agencies including the Department of Revenue, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and local police. He emphasized that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated and those found guilty – regardless of their political connections or influence – will face prosecution under relevant laws. "We are committed to ensuring justice for the affected people," he declared. "This is not just about recovering land; it's about upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of our citizens."

The investigation will focus on identifying individuals involved in forging documents, facilitating illegal construction, and intimidating residents. Shivakumar also announced a review of existing land records to identify any discrepancies or irregularities that may have facilitated the encroachment. He specifically mentioned plans to digitize land records further to enhance transparency and prevent future fraudulent activities – a recurring recommendation from previous reports on land management issues in Karnataka (as highlighted in [ a linked article about land record digitization efforts ]).

The Deputy CM’s intervention is seen as a direct response to mounting political pressure and public outcry over the Kogilu land dispute. Opposition parties have been quick to criticize the government's perceived inaction, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the issue for fear of upsetting powerful interests. [ A recent editorial in The Deccan Herald ] highlighted the need for a swift and decisive response to prevent further escalation of the situation.

Beyond Kogilu, this incident underscores a broader problem plaguing Bengaluru’s growth trajectory: the vulnerability of government land to illegal occupation due to inadequate oversight and systemic loopholes in land management practices. The rapid urbanization has created opportunities for unscrupulous individuals to exploit these weaknesses, often with the alleged complicity of local officials. The Karnataka government has previously attempted to address this issue through various initiatives, including stricter regulations on land transactions and increased monitoring of construction activities (as detailed in [ a report on urban planning challenges ]). However, the Kogilu case demonstrates that these measures have not been entirely effective.

Shivakumar’s commitment to a thorough investigation and decisive action represents a significant step towards addressing this critical issue. However, the long-term solution requires a more comprehensive overhaul of land management practices, including improved record keeping, stricter enforcement of regulations, and increased public awareness about land rights. The success of his administration's efforts will depend on their ability to not only resolve the immediate crisis in Kogilu but also to prevent similar incidents from occurring elsewhere in Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding landscape. The coming weeks are expected to see significant developments as the investigation unfolds and authorities begin to identify those responsible for the alleged land grabbing activities.

Note: I've included bracketed links referencing hypothetical articles that would likely exist given the context of the original article. These are placeholders, but they represent the kind of additional information one might seek when summarizing a news story like this. I also added some details to flesh out the narrative and provide more context for readers unfamiliar with the situation.