Army takes over Union Gymkhana in Belagavi
Defence estate officers seized the Union Gymkhana premises in Belagavi on July 16 after a Karnataka High Court order cleared the way for the Ministry of Defence to retake the 6.50‑acre site.
Court ruling ends long‑standing lease dispute
The Dharwad bench of the Karnataka High Court delivered its judgment on April 6, 2026, dismissing a petition filed by the Union Gymkhana committee that sought an extension of a lease that had lapsed in 2002. The ruling gave the Ministry of Defence authority to recover the land, which lies within a military cantonment area.
Following the decision, Karnataka Zone Officer Divya S. Hosur ordered a team of Defence Estates Officers to seal the property on the evening of July 16. Representatives from the city police commissionerate, the Cantonment Board and local military officials were present to oversee the operation.
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Police launch broader inspection of clubs
City Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulab Rao announced that the police will now conduct a systematic review of clubs, gymkhanas and other entertainment venues across Belagavi. The move comes after a recent shooting and an alleged murder attempt at the Gymkhana club, prompting authorities to tighten oversight.
Inspectors have been instructed to verify that each venue holds valid licences and complies with required permissions. A list of clubs within each police station’s jurisdiction is being compiled, and officers must submit inspection reports within ten days.
Among the conditions outlined by the commissioner’s office are the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at entrances and gaming areas, preservation of footage for at least 15 days, issuance of identity cards to members, and a strict ban on gambling. Non‑members will be denied access to any games, and clubs must cooperate fully with police checks.
If violations are found, the findings will be forwarded to the relevant licensing authority with a recommendation to cancel the licence. The department emphasized that the campaign aims to curb illegal gambling and activities that could threaten public order, not to disrupt legally operating establishments.
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Officials warned that any breach of the newly stipulated rules could lead to immediate licence revocation, highlighting the seriousness of the crackdown.
They warned that violations could lead to licence loss.
Local residents and club members have expressed mixed reactions, with some questioning the timing of the police’s intensified scrutiny. The commissioner’s office reiterated that the initiative is intended to protect public safety and uphold the law.
