Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Agricultural Produce Processing & Export Corporation Ltd (KAPPEC) has ordered the eviction of a private firm linked to JD(S) leader BM Farooq from its Integrated Cold Chain Facility (ICCF) near Kempegowda International Airport, setting a 45-day deadline for vacating the premises.

The directive, issued on April 10, cites unauthorised occupation and multiple breaches of contract by Fiza Global Agroventures Pvt Ltd, where Farooq serves as managing director. KAPPEC stated that the firm failed to meet its financial and operational obligations after being awarded the contract in April 2024 to run and maintain the facility.

According to the corporation, the company defaulted heavily on licence fee payments. Against an annual fee of ₹1.55 crore, only ₹18.29 lakh has been paid so far. Outstanding dues have climbed to ₹2.48 crore and continue to rise, with a daily accrual of ₹50,969, the order noted.

KAPPEC further alleged that the facility remained largely non-operational, with repeated power disconnections due to unpaid electricity bills. It also pointed to environmental violations flagged by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

In addition, officials reported that the premises were being used for unauthorised commercial storage of garments. This reportedly led to seizure and sealing action by the Commercial Taxes Department over suspected tax irregularities.

Although the agreement with the firm was terminated with effect from July 28, 2025, KAPPEC said the company continued to occupy the premises unlawfully. A show-cause notice issued in March 2026, the corporation added, went unanswered despite being served through multiple channels.

Responding to the allegations, Farooq denied any wrongdoing and said the eviction order would be contested. “We have already replied and cannot be evicted arbitrarily. There are provisions for arbitration and appeal,” he said.

Farooq maintained that the facility was handed over on an “as is where is” basis and claimed that critical machinery installed earlier was defective, making operations unviable despite repeated complaints. He also dismissed allegations of misuse of the premises, saying garments found at the site were placed there by an outsider during his absence abroad.

Accusing KAPPEC Managing Director CN Shiva Prakash of acting with bias, Farooq alleged that the eviction move was aimed at damaging his reputation.