Mantri Mall locked by BBMP officials

Mall authorities fail to pay Rs 61 cr

Customers left in the lurch

In what comes as a shock for Mantri Mall in Bengaluru’s Malleswaram, officials of the BBMP seized it, as it has not paid tax dues amounting to Rs 61 crore.

As the officials zeroed in on the mall, staff and workers were asked to go out. Later, the officials locked the main gate.

Interestingly, as part of its one-time settlement offer, the BBMP had agreed to let go of Rs 20 crore and asked the mall to cough up just Rs 40 crore. However, the mall allegedly did not have the amount to pay up. As a result, the licence of the mall too has been cancelled.

It is also to be noted that the mall has been a repeat offender. Last time too, the officials had locked up the mall, but they had approached the court and sought relief.

People stumped!

Many people who had come to the mall for shopping and other purposes were left in a state of lurch. Many were seen talking to the officials to get more clarity on the issue. A few, who had purchased tickets to watch movies, too had to return home, not knowing whether their ticket amounts would be given back.

At the same time, some are even hopeful that the lock would be opened.