In anticipation of public order problems: security around the MUDA office increased

Mysore/Mysuru: With the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) is under intense scrutiny due to daily revelations of a massive multi-million dollar land allocation scam. Police have put in place tight security around the MUDA office on JLB Road to prevent any possible unrest.

The MUDA office used to be a bustling hub for real estate agents, advertisers and politicians. But now it stands deserted, with only officials present in their respective areas and policemen posted outside to maintain order.

After the massive fraud was uncovered in the first week of July, various organizations began demonstrating in front of the MUDA, demanding action against the accused and calling for the dissolution of the body.

As the protests continued unabated, the police swiftly intervened and increased security around the MUDA office from July 10. Responding to the magnitude of the scam, the government constituted an investigation team headed by an IAS officer and later set up a one-man judicial commission headed by Justice PN Desai to conduct a thorough investigation, while ordering suspension of all MUDA activities and operations until further notice.

Since all MUDA activities have been suspended, the public no longer visits the MUDA office. Few citizens are seen on the premises other than staff, and the number of police officers now exceeds the number of visitors.

Since July 10, a team of 10 police personnel led by a sub-inspector from Lakshmipuram police station along with five City Armed Reserve (CAR) personnel and a 25-member KSRP platoon have been stationed in the MUDA area round the clock as part of the police headquarters.