Bengaluru: BBMP seals GT World Mall After It Denied Entry to Farmer in Dhoti

A day after GT World Mall on Magadi Road in South Bengaluru allegedly refused entry to a farmer dressed in a dhoti, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) South Zone division sealed the mall due to outstanding tax dues amounting to Rs 1.78 crores.

Vinoth Priya, the BBMP South Zone Commissioner, explained that the mall had not paid property taxes for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, prompting the sealing action. Reminder notices had been issued to the mall authorities to settle the dues.

BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath also directed the sealing of the mall.

This incident followed a controversy where the mall reportedly denied entry to Fakirappa, a farmer from North Karnataka, who had come with his family to watch a movie. The refusal, allegedly due to his attire, became a topic of discussion in the assembly, with the Karnataka government considering a seven-day closure of the mall.

Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh addressed the assembly, mentioning his discussion with a former BBMP commissioner and indicating that the government has provisions to shut down the mall for a week in such situations.

A day after GT World Mall on Magadi Road in #Bengaluru allegedly refused entry to a farmer dressed in a dhoti, the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) South Zone division sealed the mall due to outstanding tax dues amounting to Rs 1.78 crores. pic.twitter.com/Il3JCIWFCd

— The Vocal News (@thevocalnews) July 19, 2024