Others occupying houses meant for slumdwellers?

BANGALORE: Even as the real beneficiaries are running from pillar to post to get a roof over their heads,  it is alleged that followers of local politicians and goons have occupied houses built by the Karnataka Slum Development Board (KSDB) at  Lakshmidevinagar in Jaibhuvaneshwari Nagar ward near Nandini Layout.The Board has constructed around 1,300 houses for slumdwellers, of which 400 are already allotted. It is alleged that while it is preparing to allot the remaining 900 houses, followers of corporator and goons have allegedly acquired some of these houses. Some, have rented out these houses. The slumdwellers continue to live in sheds next to the newly built houses. They were deprived of houses due to the dominance of money and influence, it is said. Officials from KSDB have allegedly colluded with the politicians and goons and were not willing to vacate the illegal occupants, the slumdwellers have complained.“Several families don’t have legal documents. They are from the neighbouring states and reside in these houses by paying up to `1,500 rent,” said Pushpa, chief secretary of Samata Sainika Dala, a Dalit organisation. Illegal occupants stay by bribing local leaders and officials,” said Kumar, who lives in a shed. He is also mulling to file a PIL in the High Court in this regard. Corporator Thimmaraju, however, denied the charge that his followers had acquired houses.  When asked that houses were being allotted for extra money, he said: “I have also heard about such allegations. Police should act against illegal occupants.”