Karwar: In a sudden development, the authorities demolished 55 hutments belonging to the Kannadigas along with two temples in Baina Beach area under Vasco limits on September 26.

Following the instructions of the Goa government, the Madagaon civic authorities carried out the eviction drive to demolish the temporary shelters of families belonging to Kannadigas. Hapless Kannadigas have landed back on streets once again after authorities targeted them using heavy earth moving machinery like JCB machines.

The Kanndiga families have been residing in the area for over 40 years. Previous governments had regularised their stay by issuing ration card, house numbers etc. It had also provided them water and power connections along with necessary documents.

In the operations which lasted till this noon, 55 hutments and 2 temples belonging to Kannadigas were demolished. About 250 police personnel were deployed for the demolition drive along with 8 police inspectors and 1 DSP cadre officer. Each team was split into groups consisting 45 police personnel including women personnel and 7 JCBs were employed during the eviction drive.

Over 800 families have been evicted since 2004 with no efforts on rehabilitating them. The response from Karnataka state government too has been lukewarm considering the plight of displaced families.

Politicos in that state used Vulnerable Kannadigas living in Baina beach area only to garner votes during elections, allege few residents in the area. After providing voter identity cards, they were assured of permanent shelters during every elections only to be left high and dry thereafter, rue majority of Kannadigas at the receiving end.