The Tumakuru City Corporation is under scrutiny for allegedly being involved in an illegal land registration scheme concerning a prime 1.30-acre plot near the Vinayaka Temple, close to the Tumakuru main bus stand. According to reports, this highly valuable land, estimated to be worth Rs 70 crore, was registered illicitly for developing a multi-utility mall.
The prominent individuals implicated in this scandal include PK Mohammed of Kanachuru Islamic Education Trust and contractor Mohammed Ibrahim. The land, prized for its strategic commercial location, was reportedly transferred to these parties without adhering to proper legal protocols.
Residents and public members have expressed strong disapproval of the Congress government’s decision to lease temple land to individuals from the Islamist community. Despite widespread opposition, the district administration is allegedly moving forward with the groundbreaking ceremony, disregarding public sentiment. There are concerns that officials might use police force to quell any protests from the community.
Preliminary investigations indicate possible collusion between high-ranking officials of the Tumakuru City Corporation and the beneficiaries, facilitating the fraudulent land transfer. The implicated parties allegedly bypassed multiple legal checks and protocols to expedite registration.
Hindu organisations and residents have vehemently opposed the construction of a market area within the temple premises. In response to escalating protests, police officials have intervened to maintain law and order. A meeting was held at the Chilume Hall in Tumakuru, led by police officers who were receiving complaints from the public. Protesters allege that the Deputy Commissioner, who was expected to attend the meeting, has demonstrated bias by not showing up.
Legal experts emphasise the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the extent of corruption and hold all responsible parties accountable. “This incident underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability in public land transactions. The authorities must take swift and decisive action to rectify this situation,” N Nagaraj, an advocate, said.
In light of the scandal, Tumakuru City Corporation has pledged to conduct an internal review and has assured the public of implementing stringent measures to prevent such incidents. However, many remain sceptical, advocating for an independent inquiry by state-level authorities to ensure an impartial investigation.
The scandal has attracted the attention of political leaders. Several. Several opposition parties have criticised the city administration and demanded the immediate resignation of those involved. Public protests are being organised to pressure the authorities into taking concrete action.
The Deputy Commissioner and Municipal Commissioner, who had called for public input on the mall construction, did not attend the meeting. Protesters claim that only the police are conducting the meeting to silence their voices. During the meeting, led by the Superintendent of Police in Tumakuru, locals were asked whether they would stop the project.
Recently, similar incidents have been recorded in different parts of Karnataka. For instance, tensions escalated in Vijayapur as members of the Islamic community strongly opposed the construction of a Scheduled Caste (SC) community hall near a mosque. Additionally, traffic in Mangalore was significantly disrupted when a group of Islamists offered Namaz in the middle of a busy road, leading to police action against those involved. The police registered a suo moto case against the local mosque committee but later withdrew the FIR, followed by state Government instructions. Hindu organisations accuse the Government of doing appeasement politics.
Both incidents, which occurred under the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government, have sparked criticism. There are accusations that the Government is backing Islamists and the Waqf Board while failing to take appropriate action. The Hindu community continues to voice its concerns against what it perceives as the Karnataka Congress government’s vote-bank wooing politics.
