Property dispute leaves 50 PG residents homeless in BTM Layout

As many as 50 students and private firm employees staying at Living Space paying guest accommodation in Maruthi Nagar, BTM Layout, have been rendered homeless for the last four days due to a property dispute between a former deputy mayor and her relative. The area falls under the jurisdiction of the Sudduguntepalya police station.

A complaint has been filed with the SG Palya police, who are working to resolve the dispute amicably. According to the residents, a gang of men barged into the PG accommodation on Tuesday night, assaulted them, threw their belongings out, and locked the premises in an attempt to vacate them forcefully.

The incident reportedly began while the residents were asleep. Two men claiming to be the building owners entered a room and demanded rent. The residents refused to comply, stating they had already paid the actual PG owner. The men allegedly became abusive, assaulted one resident, injured another with a wooden stick, and began throwing the residents’ belongings onto the road.

Based on a complaint filed by one of the residents, Mohammed Sinak, the SG Palya police have registered a case of assault and criminal intimidation against the accused. Further investigation is underway.

The accused also locked the PG from the outside, trapping all the residents’ belongings inside, including essential items such as hall tickets and documents needed for exams and interviews. The PG has remained locked for three days, leaving the residents stranded on the roadside during a critical period.

According to the police, the issue stems from a property dispute that is currently pending in court. “Despite one of the parties obtaining a stay order, the other party attempted to take over the building. We have summoned both parties to appear before us to find an amicable solution. We have also advised the tenants to retrieve their belongings left inside the accommodation. However, instead of approaching us, some residents are airing their grievances on social media,” a police officer said.

Published - December 15, 2024 07:15 pm IST