In a startling revelation, the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has been accused of overlooking serious violations related to land encroachment and unauthorized construction in Dattagalli. Despite clear evidence from MUDA officials, no action has been taken against the offenders, raising concerns of corruption and influence-peddling within the authority.
The case revolves around a building constructed by S Shailaja Mohan, a resident of Ashokpuram, on a plot in Dattagalli, Kasaba Hobali. On August 11, 2023, Shailaja applied for a Building Completion Report (CR) from MUDA, certifying the completion of her construction. However, RTI activist N. Gangaraju filed a dispute petition, prompting an inspection by MUDA officials that uncovered significant irregularities.
MUDA officials found that Shailaja’s building was constructed on a total area of 3.12 acres, encompassing Survey Nos. 123/18, 123/22, and part of 121. Shockingly, the building extends across multiple survey numbers, with portions built on unauthorized land. According to the approved map, the building was sanctioned to have ground, first, and second floors. However, the inspection revealed that Shailaja had illegally constructed an entire third floor and part of a fourth floor, violating the sanctioned plan.
The MUDA report further noted discrepancies between the measurements of the constructed compound and the approved map, highlighting clear evidence of land encroachment and rule violations. As a result, MUDA officials issued a back letter to Shailaja, stating that they could not issue the Building Completion Report due to these violations.
Despite these findings, no action has been taken to rectify the situation. It has been over a year since the report was filed, yet no land grabbing has been registered, and no steps have been taken to demolish the unauthorized construction or evict the encroachers. This inaction has led to widespread speculation that influential individuals are involved in the case, using their power to shield the violators from legal consequences.
Gangaraju, who obtained critical documents under the Right to Information Act, expressed frustration over the lack of accountability. He questioned why MUDA officials have failed to act despite clear evidence of illegal activity. He also pointed out a potential forgery in the signatures provided by Shailaja, with discrepancies between her English signature on a clean deed and her Kannada signature on the CR petition, further complicating the case.
“The applicant, Shailaja, is the wife of Mohankumar, an employee at Karnataka Bhawan in Delhi. She is reportedly using her husband’s political connections to pressure MUDA into issuing the CR, despite the clear violations. This raises serious concerns about the integrity of the process and the protection of MUDA’s property,” Gangaraju stated.
He called for immediate action from the government, demanding that a case of land grabbing be filed, the illegally constructed building be demolished, and steps be taken to protect the valuable MUDA property. He also urged an investigation into the alleged forgery and the influence exerted by influential individuals to prevent justice from being served.
The ongoing situation has cast a shadow over the operations of MUDA, with many residents and activists questioning the authority’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting public land. As the case unfolds, all eyes are on the government and MUDA officials to see whether they will take the necessary steps to address these serious allegations.
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