Overview
- Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condemned the clearance in Faqir Colony and Waseem Layout as ‘bulldozer raj’ and anti-minority politics.
- D.K. Shivakumar urged Vijayan not to comment without “knowing the facts,” denied communal intent, and said no bulldozers were used in the operation.
- Shivakumar described the site as an encroached quarry and waste dumpsite posing health risks and said encroachments were removed to protect public land.
- The deputy chief minister said eligible families would be considered for housing under government schemes, including the Rajiv Gandhi Awas Yojana, and that reports would be shared with party and state leaders.
- The December 20 drive in Kogilu Layout removed more than 150 structures per multiple reports, displaced hundreds, drew protests, and saw residents allege no prior notice as authorities later attempted to erect a compound wall that families resisted.