BBMP officials, Garuda clash over mall inspection

BANGALORE: There was chaos at Garuda Mall, bustling with customers on Saturday, after BBMP's market standing committee members and the mall authorities got into a heated argument over the committee's decision to inspect the premises.
While M G Uday Garuda, managing director, Garuda Group, alleged that the committee members were demanding a bribe, though his documents were in place, BBMP committee members said they had the right to inspect the premises at any time.
"I have paid rent to BBMP as per the agreement. There are no violations or deviations in the building construction,'' Uday said.
WHY THE INSPECTION?
Standing committee chairman S H Padmaraj told Sunday Times of India that there were a number of complaints against the mall. "There are allegations that building bye-laws had been flouted and the mall was built on a storm water drain. It is BBMP's land and we have not been getting any revenue from it. We have every right to inspect the mall. Why are they not showing us any documents? There is no transparency," he said.
The members said they had to cut short their inspection and leave the place when Uday Garuda brought in his men. "Suddenly, there were rowdies who came towards us and threatened us to leave. There were three women corporators with us and it was very intimidating. We had no security. They also used foul language against us," Padmaraj alleged.
On Uday's allegation that the members were demanding a bribe, Padmaraj said: "None of us called him. Let him complain to anyone. We will resign."
Meanwhile, mayor S K Nataraj said the committee members have powers to inspect any premises, and malls fall under the market standing committee.
BBMP commissioner Siddaiah said that henceforth, police protection would be given to standing committee members during inspections.