Khata scam rampant in all new BBMP areas

Bogus khata scam is not confined to Bommanahalli zone alone. It is rampant in almost all newly-added areas of the BBMP – seven erstwhile city municipal councils, one town municipal council and 110 villages were merged to form BBMP in 2007. The BBMP has so far come across more than 25,000 cases in its limits.

In the newly-added areas, property tax register is still maintained manually. Khata documents are computerised only in 100 wards of erstwhile BMP, sources in the BBMP said.

But, the Palike has chosen to turn a blind eye. BBMP Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) M Venkatachalapathi admitted that he has come across thousands of such cases.

“I am of the view that such bogus khatas have to be cancelled immediately. But, the order has to come from the higher-ups.

Serious issue

The Bommanahalli case is a serious issue and a thorough probe has to be conducted,” he stated.

The report given by the Joint Commissioner, Bommanahalli zone, is gathering dust in the BBMP.

The BBMP Revenue department first forwarded it to the Commissioner’s office, which sent it to the legal section seeking opinion.

The legal section has suggested that the Joint Commissioner conduct a hearing as per Section 114(a) of the KMC Act. When contacted, Joint Commissioner Muniraju said he is yet to receive directions from the BBMP.