Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur

Kundapur, Dec 20: Lokayukta officials visited the Saligrama town panchayat on December 18 and 19 to conduct an investigation following allegations of irregularities in the purchase of land meant for setting up a waste disposal unit, which allegedly caused losses running into lakhs of rupees to the state exchequer.

According to the complaint, the land in question, measuring 30 cents and located at Parampalli village within the Saligrama Town Panchayat limits, falls under CRZ Zone-1 and is classified as agricultural land. However, it was alleged that officials flouted departmental rules, failed to obtain mandatory CRZ clearance and carried out an incorrect valuation through the Public Works Department for an incomplete structure on the site.

The complainant, Saligrama Nagaraj Ganiga, alleged that while land in the locality was available at a maximum rate of around Rs 30,000 per cent, the Town Panchayat purchased the land at an inflated price of Rs 1,60,000 per cent, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly Rs 50 lac to the government. Based on this complaint, the Lokayukta ordered an inquiry and deputed officials to verify the facts and submit a report.

During the inspection, Lokayukta officials conducted a spot verification of the land and examined original records in the presence of the then chief officers, the administrator, officials from the sub-registrar’s office and PWD officials who were associated with the land purchase at the relevant time. The present chief officer was also present during the proceedings.

The complainant Nagaraj Ganiga participated in the inquiry and submitted supporting documents related to the allegations. The Lokayukta officials stated that the materials collected during the inspection would be examined in detail before a report is submitted to the competent authority.