Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 21: Senior BJP leader N R Ramesh has filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta and Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot, alleging that chief minister Siddaramaiah was involved in an illegal land de-notification case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
Ramesh submitted the complaint to Lokayukta ADGP and IGP Subramanyeswara Rao, accusing Siddaramaiah and former MUDA chairman C Basave Gowda of misusing their positions for personal benefit. He has also urged the governor to order an investigation under Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act.
According to Ramesh, MUDA had acquired land, including Survey No. 70/4A in Hinkal village, Mysuru, in 1985 for the development of Vijayanagar 2nd Stage Layout. The original owner, Sakkamma, was compensated on November 22, 1985. However, Ramesh alleged that Siddaramaiah later obtained the land on lease and illegally registered it in his name on November 26, 1997, while serving as deputy chief minister, finance minister, and Mysuru district in-charge minister.
The complaint states that MUDA had legally allotted four plots—3160, 3161, 3162, and 3163—on the acquired land, with Plot No. 3161 allotted to a person named Sundar Raj. The plot, measuring 80x120 feet, was later purchased by Siddaramaiah for Rs 6.72 lakh. Ramesh claimed that just 20 days before this purchase, on October 23, 1997, MUDA chairman C Basave Gowda had illegally de-notified Survey No. 70/4A without state government approval, violating legal norms.
Ramesh further alleged that MUDA commissioner A M Kunjappa had earlier rejected a request for de-notification on December 21, 1995, stating that there was no legal provision for it. Despite this, Basave Gowda allegedly de-notified the land under political pressure.
The complaint also claims that Siddaramaiah demolished Sundar Raj’s legally constructed house on the site without due process after acquiring the land. It further alleges that he later sold the property on September 29, 2003, for Rs 1 crore.
Ramesh has demanded a thorough investigation, accusing the Congress government of corruption, abuse of power, and illegal land acquisition.