5,000 migrant families face eviction after Varthur assault case

The development follows the arrest of five men accused of attacking the young woman on April 3.

Police said the victim had earlier warned the accused against stalking and harassing her.

However, on the night of April 3, a group allegedly entered her house, assaulted her with sticks and clubs, and threatened to kill her. An FIR was later registered against several accused, including Jamshid, Tookhon, Bapoon and Noor.

Residents claim that after the arrests, landlords in the area asked tenants to vacate, affecting nearly 5,000 migrant families, many from West Bengal.

Several families were seen packing belongings and leaving, while others reportedly had already returned to their native places for elections.

The colony housed workers engaged in domestic work, construction, housekeeping, waste segregation, security and gig jobs across Bengaluru.

Some landlords denied acting under police pressure and said the move was linked to internal land disputes.

However, workers alleged the evictions began after police inquiries in the area and that most families had no connection to the crime.

One resident said he had invested nearly ₹10 lakh in temporary sheet houses and now had nowhere to go.

Activists have called the alleged evictions a serious humanitarian issue, saying families were left without shelter, income or support.

Police officials reportedly said the matter was civil in nature and not linked to law and order.

Residents nearby also fear labour shortages in coming days as migrant workers continue leaving in large numbers.