Bengaluru right-wing group flags mosque construction near electric line

According to the HJS, the construction in that area violates the rules laid down by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission, as it is right under the KPTCL high-tension electric line

Right-wing organisation Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has approached the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to stop the alleged illegal construction of a mosque below the high-tension electric line of the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Limited (KPTCL) in AECS Layout – A Block in Singasandra in Bengaluru.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike said that the civic body did not grant any permission to build the structure in the area. (HT Archive)

According to the HJS, the construction in that area violates the rules laid down by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission, as it is right under the KPTCL high-tension electric line.

A video of a building under the high-tension line in the area, alleged to be a mosque, has also surfaced on various social media platforms.

The right-wing group alleged that even after repeated complaints by residents to the civic body, the BBMP is yet to take action regarding the issue.

“It is surprising to note that no effort has been made to stop the construction so far even after locals have registered several complaints regarding this. Would the civic body have responded in the same way if the illegal work was done by someone from the Hindu community?” the letter submitted to the BBMP read.

“Why is the civic body being silent regarding the illegal construction by another community? All the Hindu groups demand that the BBMP should take this matter seriously, probe it and stop the construction of the illegal mosque. If not, we will have no other alternative but to take the fight to the High Court,” the letter further read.

The convenor of the right-wing outfit, Mohan Gowda, expressed outrage and demanded answers from the civic body regarding this issue.

Gowda said that the KPTCL could not carry out work under the high-tension electric line. However, a mosque is being constructed illegally in Singasandra near Electronic City under the BBMP, he said, adding that it is not safe to carry out any work below the high-tension line.

“Hindu temples are immediately demolished in case of any violation. Unfortunately, no action has been taken even though the structures of other religions are built illegally. The state government should take this seriously and take immediate action,” Gowda said.

Meanwhile, BBMP chief commissioner Tushar Girinath said that the civic body did not grant any permission to build the structure in the area.

“No work can be done under the KPTCL high-tension line even if the land is owned by any private person or organisation. If it is constructed in violation of the rules, a criminal case can be registered. We have not permitted the building which is being constructed now. We have rules not to build it. We will inform the owner about the demolition and would take the necessary action,” Girinath said.