Khata scam: Lokayukta seeks report

Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar Rao has taken suo motu cognisance of the Rajarajeshwari (RR) Nagar “khata” scam reported by Deccan Herald on January 15, 2015, and directed top Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials to submit a detailed report by February 28.


The BBMP commissioner and additional commissioner of RR Nagar zone have been directed to jointly submit a detailed report. During an inspection, the BBMP Standing Committee on Personnel and Administrative Reforms found mismatch in the khatas (deeds).


The committee had stated that real estate developers, in connivance with Palike officials, issued khatas for layouts that were formed by encroaching government land and lakes in the RR Nagar zone.


The committee said BBMP suffered a loss of Rs 250 crore due to the irregularities. “It is said the khata was issued in one day for nearly 66 acres of land belonging to R N Shetty and his relatives without collecting any document and the betterment charges. Similarly, in ward number 129-Kenchenahalli, khatas were issued in respect of survey number 42, 43 and 43/3 for hundreds of spare sites, in which about 30 guntas of land was not converted,” said Justice Rao.


The notice also mentioned misuse of educational funds. “Apart from the land scam, it is also reported that one Abhishek Aditya, a BBMP welfare officer in RR Nagar, has been found guilty of misuse of educational funds,” the Lokayukta said.
The Lokayukta has stated that all the irregularities mentioned are subject matter for investigation under the Lokayukta Act.


“If the allegations are proved, then the officers concerned would be liable for disciplinary action for their negligence/irregularities and misconduct. Therefore, by invoking section 7 (1) (b) of Lokayukta Act suo motu notice is taken into the subject and investigation is taken up,” Justice Rao said.  

Chairperson of the Standing Committee M Krishnappa had said five revenue officers from RR Nagar—Basavaraju (former revenue inspector), Chandrashekhar (assistant revenue officer), Ramesh and Munaf (first-division clerks), and Bheemappa (former joint commissioner)—were responsible for issuing khatas illegally.