The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bengaluru): In a decisive move, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has sealed the Mantri Mall situated in Malleswaram on Saturday, citing non-payment of property taxes amounting to Rs 40 crore. A BBMP senior official, who chose to remain unnamed, indicated that the outstanding dues had significantly reduced after the government’s decision to waive the interest on the accumulated tax dues.
The officials suggested that by availing the One Time Payment System (OTS) introduced by the government, the mall authorities could significantly lessen their financial burden. It was reported that the mall’s management is currently in talks with the BBMP, exploring the possibility of settling the dues in installments.
This incident marks yet another chapter in the mall’s history of tax-related closures, following a previous incident where the mall had managed to reopen after obtaining a stay order from the court against the BBMP’s sealing action.
In a related event, the BBMP also made headlines with its attempt to seal the Bangalore Turf Club on the same day. While BBMP officials stated their visit was to clarify certain aspects regarding the property tax calculations, sources within the club suggested that there was an attempt to seal the premises. This effort was thwarted when club officials presented a temporary relief order from the high court, preventing the BBMP from proceeding with the sealing.
Arvind Raghavan, the Chairman of the Bangalore Turf Club, confirmed the high court’s interim order in February, which came in response to a BBMP notice demanding Rs 5.15 crore in property tax dues. Following the presentation of the court order, BBMP officials vacated the premises, he added.
This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of the BBMP to enforce property tax compliance among significant establishments in Bengaluru, reflecting the civic body’s broader strategy to address tax evasion and enhance municipal revenue streams.