Kogilu layout encroachment case: police probe reveals ₹2 crore illegal transactions, rehabilitation now under question

Bengaluru : The controversial eviction drive at Kogilu Layout, which triggered nationwide debate and even drew criticism from Kerala Chief Minister and comments from Pakistan, has taken a fresh turn with startling revelations from the police investigation.

Officials probing the Kogilu Layout government land encroachment case have uncovered large-scale financial transactions linked to the illegal occupation of public land, casting serious doubt over the proposed rehabilitation of encroachers.

According to sources, the investigation has revealed that individuals involved in encroaching government land at Fakir Colony and Wasim Layout in Kogilu collected huge sums of money from people in exchange for allowing them to put up sheds and houses on public land.

The total amount involved is estimated to be more than ₹2 crore. Accused persons identified as Wasim, Vijay and Robin allegedly charged lakhs of rupees from each occupant. A scrutiny of the bank accounts linked to the accused reportedly showed transactions running into crores of rupees.

Investigators believe the encroachment was not driven by poverty alone, but by an organised network that monetised illegal occupation of government land. With these findings coming to light, the question of providing rehabilitation to the encroachers has become contentious.

Initially, there was a strong humanitarian argument in favour of rehabilitation, as many occupants were portrayed as economically weak families. However, the police findings have changed the narrative. Officials who were earlier inclined to provide alternative housing to around 26 families are now reconsidering their stance.

A section of the administration is of the view that those who paid large sums to illegally occupy government land should not be extended the benefit of rehabilitation. Residents of Kogilu, reacting to the developments, claimed that many people had constructed houses in the area over the past two to three years.

“Everyone built houses here. We also built our house two to three years ago,” some residents said, insisting they were unaware of the alleged financial dealings behind the encroachments.

The eviction drive at Kogilu Layout completed 38 days recently, but uncertainty continues to loom large over the future of the displaced families. With no clear communication from the government on rehabilitation and conflicting signals from officials, residents remain anxious and confused.

Meanwhile, the case has sparked a broader debate on urban encroachments in Bengaluru, accountability of middlemen, and whether rehabilitation policies should distinguish between genuine beneficiaries and those who knowingly participated in illegal land deals.

As the investigation progresses, the Kogilu Layout case is likely to have far-reaching implications for similar encroachment issues across the state.

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