BENGALURU: Karnataka’s revenue department reclaimed Tuesday 14 acres of allegedly encroached land in Ramanagara district from Union steel and heavy industries minister HD Kumaraswamy, his relatives and others, swinging into action within 24 hours of a HC bench ordering officials to either move “or admit you are incapable”.
“Kumaraswamy and his relatives hold high positions. The govt has not done anything in the past five years. We will give you two more weeks… (otherwise), we will send you where you belong,” the court said on Monday while hearing a contempt petition filed by NGO Samaja Parivartana Samudaya.
Kumaraswamy termed the revenue dept’s drive part of a conspiracy by Congress govt that he would fight “through legal means”. “I have never engaged in any illegal activity. I bought the land that they claim was encroached 40 years ago,” the JD(S) state chief said. “Even if the govt wants to evict a citizen, a notice must be issued 15 days in advance per the law. I haven’t received any notice or official communication till now.”