SIT formed to look into allegations against Art of Living, says Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister
The Karnataka government has formed an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of land grabbing by the Art of Living ashram. The investigation will examine claims regarding the encroachment of government land and the unauthorized possession of land originally granted to SC/ST communities.
Why it matters
This investigation highlights ongoing tensions regarding land rights and the protection of marginalized communities in India, involving a high-profile spiritual organization.
The Karnataka government has constituted a 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by Bengaluru Regional Commissioner Amlan Aditya Biswas to probe the alleged grabbing of government land by the Art of Living ashram and its affiliate organisations on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
According to a Government Order issued on July 17, the SIT has been given three months to complete investigation and submit report to the government. As per the notification, which cites the survey by Assistant Director of Land Records in October, 2025, about 290 acres of government land in the area were found to have been encroached.
The areas identified are in the villages of Kaggalipura, B.M. Kaval, Agara and Uttari. The probe has been ordered under provisions of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act and the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Act.
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