Sham NGO squats on govt land

Raid on NGO that made kids earn money for it reveals encroachment

Sham NGO squats on govt land

Raid on NGO that made kids earn money for it reveals encroachment

Encroachment on government land by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) was revealed some time ago, after about 15 children living in distress on its premises were rescued. But the racket does not end there, with three aged people now in need of rescue from its premises in Bylakonenahalli on Magadi Road, on the city's outskirts.

State Child Welfare Committee (CWC) member P N Basavraj, who exposed the racket involving encroachment and the illegal running of children's and old-age homes, said the NGO was run by a person going by the name of Mahesh, against whom a complaint had been filed with the Child Rights Commission.

Quick cover-up

Mahesh wasted little time in converting his 'Archana Education and Rural Development Society' on the encroached land into 'Sri Sai Home for the Aged' after the raid by the CWC, said Basavraj.

The rescued children, now united with their families, were taken out of school and made to earn money for Mahesh's NGO.

Now, there are three senior citizens living on the premises with no one to take care of them and with no facilities, said the CWC member.

Basavraj added that the raided institution, though illegal, had put up a board saying it was recognised by the state.

"There are many such NGOs running illegally which have encroached on government land," Basavraj said. "The authorities should wake up and take action."

Basavraj said the CWC had written to the deputy police commissioner seeking to know how the raided institution was allowed to run for three years.

The raid on the NGO was conducted four months ago after villagers noticed the plight of the children and informed the State Human Rights Commission.