In an unprecedented move, RTI worker Ramamurthy Gowda has stormed the Raj Bhavan to demand a thorough inquiry into Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy, currently embroiled in serious allegations of encroaching on government lake land. The controversy surrounding Cheluvarayaswamy has ignited public outrage and raised significant questions about accountability and governance in Karnataka. Despite the seriousness of these claims, the Karnataka Lokayukta has yet to take any action regarding the complaints filed against the minister, leading many to question the integrity of the state’s anti-corruption mechanisms.
The allegations against Cheluvarayaswamy centre around his purported encroachment of 3.22 acres of government Lakeland in Dasanpur Hobali Makali Village, located in Uttara Taluk, Bangalore. This encroachment is said to involve a range of abuses of power, nepotism, and outright violations of law. Ramamurthy Gowda’s insistence on accountability highlights a broader demand among citizens and political figures alike for transparency and action in the face of corruption. His actions represent a growing frustration with the government’s perceived inaction regarding significant corruption cases involving high-profile officials.
The Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Special Court had previously stayed the summons related to the case against Cheluvarayaswamy, complicating the inquiry into his alleged misconduct. This decision has prompted further scrutiny of the state’s legal processes surrounding land grab cases. In light of these developments, Ramamurthy Gowda has written a formal letter demanding that he be allowed to submit documents supporting the allegations of corruption against the minister. He has specifically invoked sections 218 and 7 to 15 of the BNS Act 2023 to argue for a trial in the Lokayukta court, emphasizing the importance of legal accountability in such serious matters.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Venkatesh Bowi, a concerned citizen, filed an application in the Karnataka Land Grabbing Prohibition Special Court. This court subsequently issued a public notice soliciting objections from interested parties regarding the allegations against Cheluvarayaswamy. The notice explicitly addresses explicitly addresses the encroachment of government land, valued at approximately Rs 70 crores. Ramamurthy Gowda has voiced strong concerns about the legitimacy of the land acquisition, especially since he previously complained to the minister for allegedly receiving this valuable property in the form of a donation. Despite the gravity of these accusations, it has been over seven months since the complaint was filed, and there has been no apparent movement from the Lokayukta to investigate the case or issue notices to any of the involved parties.
The details surrounding the land in question further complicate the narrative. It is reported that there are approximately 3.31 acres of government lake area in survey number 13 of Dasanpur Hobali Makali village. Initially, this land was said to have been purchased voluntarily by a person named Lakshmi Kanta, but the history of ownership remains murky. What is unequivocal is that on July 27, 2021, Minister Cheluvarayaswamy was registered as the owner of the land through a donation letter, with the donor being his brother. This familial connection raises serious ethical questions about nepotism and the proper conduct of public officials in managing government resources.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Assistant Director of Land Records for Bangalore confirmed the lake’s existence in the specified survey number as of October 13, 2022. Official records categorize this area as “Kharabu Kere,” or lake land, complicating the legality of any encroachment. Furthermore, documents indicate that Cheluvarayaswamy’s name is recorded in the Records Rights of Tenancy and Crop (RTC), substantiating his claim to the land.
Compounding the allegations, it has been revealed that the minister allegedly took out a loan of Rs 12,45,000 against the property through a Canara Bank branch in SS Pura, Tumkur. This financial entanglement raises additional questions about the minister’s fiscal integrity and the legitimacy of his land dealings. Moreover, reports indicate that the land has been developed into a commercial building for the Himalaya Drug House, generating a substantial rental income of Rs 10 lakh per month. Ramamurthy Gowda has cited this rental arrangement in his complaints, arguing that the continued use of the encroached land for profit highlights the urgent need for a thorough investigation.
The controversy surrounding Cheluvarayaswamy has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for accountability from various sectors of society. The Karnataka government now finds itself at a crossroads, as the allegations of corruption and misuse of power against one of its ministers have serious implications for its integrity and credibility. Citizens, civil society organizations, and opposition political parties are increasingly vocal in their demands for immediate action from the Lokayukta to investigate the serious allegations surrounding the agriculture minister.
This situation not only reflects on the individual actions of Minister Cheluvarayaswamy but also raises broader questions about the effectiveness of the anti-corruption framework within the Karnataka government. Despite substantial evidence and public outcry, the apparent inaction on the part of the Lokayukta has led many to question whether the state is genuinely committed to combating corruption within its ranks.
As public discontent grows, the pressure on the Karnataka government to act decisively increases. The allegations against Minister Cheluvarayaswamy pose significant risks not only to his political career but also to the credibility of the government as a whole. With citizens demanding transparency and justice, the state faces a crucial test of its commitment to uphold the rule of law and maintain the public’s trust in its institutions.
The encroachment of Agriculture Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy and the serious allegations of land encroachment present a critical moment for the Karnataka government. As citizens and opposition leaders alike call for accountability and transparency, it remains to be seen whether the government will take the necessary steps to investigate these allegations thoroughly and restore faith in its governance.
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