Realtor Ujwal, son-in-law of RSS leader Rangamurthy, dares CM to demolish structure ‘encroached’ by his firm

MLA Ashok Rai said the remarks were in poor taste, but added that he would prefer to consult Prabhu before initiating action

Bengaluru

Ujwal Prabhu, a small-time real estate developer from Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, has allegedly thrown an open challenge to Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah and local MLA Ashok Rai to demolish an alleged encroachment carried out by his real estate firm. 

Prabhu is the son-in-law of senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader S R Rangamurthy.

The controversy centres around land reserved for a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Chikkamudnoor village. According to available records and local sources, the land has allegedly been encroached upon by UR Properties, a real estate firm owned by Prabhu. The alleged encroachment has reportedly resulted in the closure of a public access road and stalled the implementation of a key sanitation project intended to serve Puttur town and nearby villages.

Government records accessed by blrpost.com indicate that 5.50 acres of land in Survey No.102/9 of Chikkamudnoor village were officially reserved in 2017 for the construction of the STP. The project was envisioned as an important infrastructure initiative aimed at improving sanitation and waste management in the region.

However, documents suggest that UR Properties has encroached upon more than one acre of this land. The parcel in question was originally owned by the Revenue Department and subsequently earmarked by the same department for the STP project.

The UR Properties has developed a sprawling layout with theme park-style features in close proximity to the reserved STP land, raising further questions about land use and compliance with government regulations.

The issue gained further traction after audio clips, purportedly featuring Prabhu’s voice, began circulating widely in several WhatsApp groups. In one of the clips, he can allegedly be heard issuing a defiant challenge.

“No one can demolish this compound on Puttur soil. We will see what happens. If there are plans to demolish it and if the Chief Minister has the guts, let them come and demolish it. We will see. We have our men. This is the land of Hindus. I will stand against this,” the voice in the clip says.

In another audio clip that is also being circulated, Prabhu is said to have made a veiled remark indirectly targeting MLA Ashok Rai, further escalating the political tension around the issue.

Reacting to the controversy, MLA Ashok Rai said that the remarks by Prabhu were inappropriate and unbecoming of a businessman. However, he indicated that he would prefer to engage in consultation before initiating any formal action.

“As a businessman, the words he has uttered are in poor taste and are distasteful. However, I still want to consult him before taking any action,” Rai said.

Rai further emphasised that the development of the taluk remains a top priority and cannot be compromised under any circumstances.

“The development of the taluk is sacrosanct. No individual or entity should attempt to sabotage projects that are meant for the welfare of the people,” he said.

Despite the provocative nature of the alleged remarks and the challenge directed at both the Chief Minister and himself, Rai maintained that he would adopt a measured approach before proceeding with any legal or administrative steps. He also reiterated that the rule of law must prevail in all such matters.

“No one is above the law. Everyone must follow the law, irrespective of their position or influence,” Rai added.