Responding to allegations of encroachment and unauthorised use of property at MCHS Layout, HSR Sector-6, Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh and her husband, bureaucrat Rajneesh Goel (retd.), have clarified, terming the allegations “wholly false, unsubstantiated and based on conjecture”.

The Hindu recently reported on a complaint to the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF), making these allegations.

In a communication issued on Sunday, the couple clarified that the property was not allotted by the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), as alleged, but was lawfully allotted by the Metropolitan Co-operative Housing Society Ltd. through a registered sale deed after completing all legal formalities.

They stated that the building was constructed strictly within the site’s boundaries in accordance with sanctioned plans and that all necessary commencement and occupancy approvals had been obtained from competent authorities. They categorically denied encroaching upon any public land, civic amenity area, government property, or footpath.

Rejecting claims of commercial activity on the premises, the couple said the property had merely been rented out, which is permitted under the housing society’s rules, while they currently reside in government-allotted quarters.

Refuting the allegations regarding encroaching on a footpath, they said no designated footpath exists adjacent to the property as per the approved layout plan. According to the rejoinder, the site abuts a storm-water drain, and all structures are within the property’s legal limits. They added that roadside greenery is maintained individually by residents.