The Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has allocated plots worth Rs 75-80 crore to a single family without an explicit court order, raising significant concerns and controversy. The plots, totaling 98,000 square feet, were allotted based on the report of a special land acquisition officer and a certificate issued by the heirs.
Commissioner Dinesh Kumar signed the file just two weeks before his transfer on June 15, adding a sense of urgency to the situation. The family received alternate plots in the prestigious areas of Vijayanagar and Dattagalli. However, amidst growing scrutiny, the allotment has been put on hold, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The controversy stems from the land originally given by the Ugraiah family for the construction of Gokulam barangay in Mysore, a historical context that adds weight to the situation. The family had provided a total of 8 acres and 14 guntas of land in Maragoudanahalli Survey No. 57 and 77/2. Despite this, they had not received compensation. In 2023, Nagaraju, an heir to the land, submitted a request to MUDA, which led to the allotment of 98,206 sq. ft. of plots based on a 50:50 compensation ratio established five decades ago.
There are allegations that MUDA officials have cited various court cases and orders to justify the allocation, even when documentation was inadequate. This has been perceived as an indication of potential illegality. It has been suggested that influential figures have played a significant role in these decisions, facilitating the allotment of large plots in old cases and underscoring the impact of their actions.
In one notable instance, MUDA President K. Marigowda recommended the allotment of land contrary to a government order. Three or four influential individuals managed the entire process, from application submission to plot sanctioning, often using recommendation-pressure strategies. Disputes among these groups have occasionally led to blockages in the allotment process.
Concerns have also been raised about missing original documents related to significant cases from the Muda office. Allegations suggest that a ‘Kadata Yajna’ (file Yagna) may have occurred, with MUDA staff purportedly destroying key documents to cover up illegalities. Some pages from registration record books are missing, and important documents, including negative reports on the allotment, have vanished. Additionally, it is reported that files taken to the commissioner’s house have yet to be returned.
An inquiry committee led by senior IAS officer R. Venkatachalapathy is investigating these issues. The committee has seized the records room and restricted access to Muda staff to prevent further tampering. They are examining registers to trace the movement of files and identify which officers handled them.
As the investigation continues, the MUDA site-sharing controversy has intensified, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability in the land allocation process.
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