Residents of Raja Rajeshwari Nivas apartment complex in Bommanahalli, had decided to dig two borewells to sort out the seven-month long water problem. But when the work started on Monday, they were in for a rude shock. Some goons landed there with weapons demanding the work be stopped. They threatened the residents and broke the glass windows in order to convince them they don't need to dig the borewell. Bommanahalli is off Hosur Road just south of the Silkboard intersection. 

Police constable stands vigil as the borwell digging continues Pic: Padmalatha Ravi.

Residents allege that Mohan Reddy, a local water tanker supplier could be behind the attack. The apartment complex with a thousand residents had been buying water worth Rs one lakh per month for the last seven months. When the residents decided to dig two more borewells to put an end to the constant expenditure on private water tankers, Reddy called the apartment association members asking them not to go ahead with the plans.

"We wanted a quick fix solution to this problem. We didn't want to spend so much for something that is a basic necessity and the civic bodies owe us enough water to sustain ourselves, when we have paid for it. When we began digging the borewells on Monday evening, Mohan Reddy kept calling me constantly. He said we could arrive at an amicable solution," says Madhusudan Reddy, President of the association.

The residents further allege that it was only after Reddy established base in their area, that water supply was affected in their complex. "Our security guards had noticed that many BWSSB officials would frequent Reddy's office. We suspect foul play and some residents think that Reddy could have something to do with the disrupted water supply in our apartments," reveals a resident discreetly. Citizen Matters is currently inquiring into the situation and has not yet verified this claim.

Residents say they immediately called the cops at the Madivala police station. "We even tried to file an FIR against him, but the cops told us to come back the next day. When we did go again to complain, they gave us an acknowledgement and said they would confront the accused and tackle the problem," say the residents. The police however sent a constable over to provide security.

Mohan Reddy denies any role in the attack. He reached the Police Station on Tuesday afternoon to recite his version. "I did speak to the residents. They have a problem and I have been very helpful to them. Now they have blamed me for something that I never even did. Once I heard about their project to dig out borewells, I quietly headed to Kamanahalli to establish my base there. I did not trouble them in any way," justifies Reddy.

The police on the other hand have assured the residents of all security in case they sense that there could be a law and order situation that would emerge. "We have taken stock of the matter. We will deal with it accordingly, but rest assured we would not let the threats to turn into anything big," assures M K Ganapathi, Inspector, Madivala Police Station.

The residents meanwhile resumed digging of the borewell under the police constable's watch on Tuesday. ⊕

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