Now, State Home Minister Ashok too 'Lands' in Trouble

Bangalore,Mar18 (PTI): A local court today posted to March 24, a complaint filed against Home Minister R Ashoka for alleged illegal acquisition of land causing a loss of Rs 26 crore to the state exchequer. 

After completion of arguments, the 23rd Additional City Civil and Sessions Judge C B Hipparagi, posted the complaint for orders. Senior Counsel V Lakshmikantha Rao, appearing on  behalf of the complainant, an RTI activist M Manjunath, submitted that the minister had indulged in "illegal land grabbing by acquiring land meant for the public".

Citing the complaint, he pointed out that in 1978 Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) had acquired 23 guntas (one gunta is 1/40th of an acre) from 12 owners in Lottegollahalli for formation of Raj Mahal Vilas Layout.

Although the property was in possession of BDA after its acquisition, Ashoka in 2003 and 2007 subsequently got the property registered in his favour. Later in 2009, when he became the Home Minister he denotified the land. Accusing the minister of "misusing" his powers, the counsel sought legal action against him at the earliest.

Earlier when the judge sought to know whether Ashoka could be prosecuted without a sanction, the counsel quoting a Supreme Court judgement said "if a minister who is a public servant acts beyond the purview of his office for his personal gain, he can be prosecuted without a sanction".