BJP demands NIA probe into Kogilu Layout demolition case, raises national security concerns
Bengaluru:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its attack on the Congress-led Karnataka government over the demolition of illegal sheds and houses at Kogilu Layout, alleging that the area could turn into a hub for anti-national activities if left unchecked.
The party has demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the background and citizenship status of the residents living in the encroached area.
A BJP delegation led by Leader of the Opposition R. Ashok and former Union Minister Chalavadi Narayanaswamy visited the demolition site on Tuesday and interacted with residents. The leaders examined identity documents and questioned locals about the duration of their stay, source of land allotment, and means of livelihood.
ಕೋಗಿಲು ಗ್ರಾಮದ ಬಳಿಯ ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಜಾಗದಲ್ಲಿನ ಅನಧಿಕೃತ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣಗಳನ್ನು ತೆರವುಗೊಳಿಸಿರುವ ಸ್ಥಳಕ್ಕೆ ಇಂದು ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆ ನಡೆಸಿ ಮಾಹಿತಿ ಪಡೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಯಿತು.
ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧಾನ ಪರಿಷತ್ ಪ್ರತಿಪಕ್ಷ ನಾಯಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @NswamyChalavadi, ಶಾಸಕರಾದ ಶ್ರೀ @drashwathcn, ರಾಜ್ಯ ಕಾರ್ಯದರ್ಶಿಗಳಾದ ಶ್ರೀ ತಮ್ಮೇಶ್ ಗೌಡ,… pic.twitter.com/Ei0he3uEPf— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) December 31, 2025
Speaking to the media after the inspection, R. Ashok alleged large-scale irregularities and political interference in the handling of the case. He claimed that many residents were unable to produce valid identity documents and that their statements about living in the area for over two decades were questionable.
“Several residents claim they have been living here for 25 years, but satellite images from just a year ago show no such settlements. This raises serious doubts. People appear to have been brought in recently from other areas and made to pose as long-term residents,” Ashok said.
The BJP leader accused the Siddaramaiah government of encouraging illegal settlements for vote-bank politics. He alleged that Karnataka was being turned into a “mini Bangladesh hub” and warned that unchecked encroachments could pose a threat to internal security.
Ashok further claimed that information about the Kogilu demolition reached Pakistan through social media, raising serious concerns. “If tweets from Pakistan appear immediately after a local demolition drive, it means someone from here is passing information across the border.
This is extremely dangerous and cannot be ignored,” he said, alleging the presence of sleeper cells. He also questioned the provision of electricity and other basic amenities in the encroached area, alleging irregularities by officials.
“Lakhs of poor Kannadigas do not have electricity connections, but here illegal settlements have expensive cables and power supply without meters. BESCOM officials must be held accountable,” he said.
Criticising Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, Ashok said the government’s response was selective. “When encroachments are cleared elsewhere, ministers do not visit. But here, they rushed because of political interests. This double standard exposes the government’s priorities,” he alleged.
Ashok demanded that the entire matter be handed over to the NIA for a thorough investigation into citizenship, document authenticity, funding sources, and possible links to organised crime or anti-national networks. He insisted that no housing benefits should be extended to the residents until verification is completed.
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, who accompanied the delegation, echoed similar concerns. He alleged that many residents were illegal migrants and said such settlements posed a serious threat to both Karnataka and national security.
“The Home Department must act decisively. If people have entered the country illegally, they must be identified and deported. Political protection cannot override national interest,” he said.
The Congress government, however, has maintained that the demolition was carried out as per law and that humanitarian considerations would be taken into account while rehabilitating eligible families. Officials have stated that due verification will be conducted before any rehabilitation decision is made.
The issue has now escalated into a major political flashpoint, with BJP vowing to continue its agitation and warning of protests if its demand for an NIA probe is ignored.
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