NewsFlash Daily™
30 May 
FIR registered against two accused after the Karnataka Prisons Department moves to reclaim the prime 10,000 sq ft government land in Gandhinagar
Bengaluru: A major land encroachment case involving a prime government property worth nearly Rs 50 crore has surfaced in the heart of Bengaluru, prompting criminal action by the Karnataka Prisons Department. Acting on the directions of Director General of Prisons Alok Kumar, the Upparpet Police have registered an FIR against two individuals accused of illegally occupying a valuable 10,000-square-foot property belonging to the department in the city's Gandhinagar area.
The development has once again highlighted the growing influence of land mafias in Bengaluru, where even government-owned properties under law enforcement institutions are allegedly becoming targets of illegal occupation.
Bengaluru Land Encroachment Case Involving Prison Department Property
According to officials, the disputed property is located opposite the Ram Mandir on 2nd Cross, Gandhinagar, one of Bengaluru's most commercially significant localities. The land, which carries an estimated market value of Rs 40 crore to Rs 50 crore, has historical importance and reportedly belongs to the Karnataka Prisons Department.
Authorities stated that the property was originally donated to the department by the erstwhile Mysore royal family several decades ago. Commercial structures were later built on the land and rented out. However, due to years of administrative neglect and lack of monitoring, the buildings eventually deteriorated and remained abandoned for nearly two decades.
Investigators allege that the prolonged inactivity created an opportunity for encroachers to unlawfully take possession of the land.
Rs50 Crore Government Land Allegedly Occupied for Years
Department sources revealed that two individuals, identified as Kaleem and Anil allegedly fenced the property and began using it for scrap-related commercial activities without authorisation.
The encroachment reportedly continued for years without significant intervention, raising serious concerns about the protection of public assets in high-value urban locations.
Officials believe the case may represent a broader pattern of organised attempts to target underutilised government properties across Bengaluru.
"Government land worth crores cannot be allowed to remain vulnerable to illegal occupation. Every public asset must be protected and restored to its rightful ownership."
Alok Kumar's Intervention Leads to FIR Registration
The issue gained momentum after Karnataka Prisons Department Director General Alok Kumar personally reviewed the status of the property.
Sources within the department said Kumar had envisioned a redevelopment project for the site. The proposed plan reportedly included the construction of a modern facility featuring sales outlets for bakery products, garments, and other items manufactured by prison inmates under rehabilitation initiatives.
Following the inspection, notices were issued to the alleged encroachers directing them to vacate the premises. However, officials claim the occupants refused to comply with the directives.
Subsequently, the department filed a formal complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR at Upparpet Police Station.
Police Action Begins Against Accused
Police have now issued notices to both accused individuals, directing them to appear for questioning and cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
As a precautionary measure, the Karnataka Prisons Department has installed official signage at the location declaring the property as government-owned land belonging to the department. Additionally, two armed security personnel have been deployed to safeguard the premises and prevent further encroachment.
Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed verification of ownership records, historical documentation, and land-use patterns as part of the investigation.
Growing Concerns Over Government Property Protection in Bengaluru
Observers point out that this is not the first such case involving public property. In a previous incident, attempts were reportedly made to encroach upon land belonging to the Police Department in the Malleswaram area.
As the investigation progresses, officials are expected to intensify efforts to reclaim the property and ensure accountability for any unauthorised occupation of government land.
