MYSURU: In a significant development, the Mysore Lokayukta has issued notices to 18 officials of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) concerning the alleged allotment of MUDA land to over 350 influential individuals. The officials in question were reportedly involved in the allocation process that took place in 2017, including the MUDA Superintendent Engineer Secretary.
The controversy revolves around a disputed allocation of land in Hinakal village, Mysore Taluk. According to reports, plots were assigned to various officials in Hinakal Survey No. 89, where it is alleged that 7.18 acres of MUDA land were illegally allocated and distributed to more than 350 influential individuals.
The matter came to light in 2017, when RTI activist Gangaraju filed a complaint alleging corruption in the allocation of land. Gangaraju’s complaint claimed that land intended for public use was diverted and given to political figures and other influential individuals. Based on his complaint, the Mysore Lokayukta initiated an investigation and registered a case in 2022, after obtaining the necessary permissions from the government.
In his complaint filed on April 1, 2017, Gangaraju alleged that the Hinakal gram Panchayat had illegally constructed housing layout on 7 acres and 18 guntas of land under the Ashraya Project in Survey No. 89 of Mysore Taluk’s Hinakal village. These house sites were allegedly distributed to political figures without proper authorization. Gangaraju addressed his concerns to the Superintendent of Police of Mysore’s Anti-Corruption Squad, stating that since his claims had been substantiated, he was requesting formal action against those responsible.
Gangaraju accused the Panchayat officials, including the President, Secretary and all members who served during the period of 1990-92, of directly or indirectly participating in the decision-making process that led to this illegal allotment. He demanded action against all officers who allegedly conspired to allocate the land in a manner contrary to its intended use.
He also pointed out that MUDA had failed to utilise the land for the purposes it was acquired. According to his letter, despite repeated appeals to MUDA authorities to investigate the alleged wrongdoing, no action was taken, prompting him to seek intervention from higher authorities.
The activist’s allegations go beyond the specific instance in Survey No. 89. He highlighted that hundreds of acres of land across Mysore city, acquired for public use—such as building community centers, parks, and other facilities—were not utilized properly. Instead, these lands were allegedly misappropriated by political figures and other influential people. He claimed that the then-administration and members of the opposition in the Hinakal gram Panchayat were involved in illegal land dealings.
Gangaraju further accused the officials of turning a blind eye to illegal constructions and distribution of plots, implicating several MUDA officials as participants in these actions.
The case took a new twist with the disappearance of CCTV footage from the residence of the former MUDA Commissioner, GT Dinesh Kumar. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that the Commissioner’s residence, located on Adi Chunchanagiri Road in Kuvempunagar, Mysore, was used for various illicit transactions, including land allocations and exchanges. The disappearance of an 8-camera DVR system that could have documented these activities has raised further suspicions about a cover-up.
Reports indicate that the former Commissioner’s residence was more active in conducting MUDA’s affairs than the office itself. Allegations of transactions involving land replacement and alienation were purportedly handled there, casting doubt on the integrity of the process. The missing footage is seen as potential evidence that could reveal the extent of the malpractices.
Raghunandan, the new Commissioner of MUDA, has responded by issuing notices to the building management officials regarding the missing CCTV footage. He stated that there is currently no information about the whereabouts of the CCTV cameras or the DVR. The Commissioner has sought details from the concerned authorities and assured that a report would be submitted within two days.
The disappearance of crucial evidence such as CCTV footage has fueled accusations of deliberate destruction of evidence, further complicating the investigation. As the probe into these allegations unfolds, the actions of the involved officials and the response of the authorities will be closely monitored.
The developments have added another layer of complexity to the case, raising questions about the integrity of the processes within MUDA and the extent of the alleged malpractices. The next steps by the Lokayukta and other investigative agencies will be crucial in determining the outcome of this high-profile case.
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