Police expect more skeletons to tumble out in land scam

For a variety of reasons the society kept changing its address. Finally, in 1985 it got itself a permanent address and began operations at Jayanagar 4th Block.

But the functioning of the so-called society was marred by in-fighting and confusion among its office bearers and members. Despite this, the society managed to get the land allotted against its name from the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA).

Investigations found that the land originally belonged to one Dwarkanath from whom the BDA subsequently acquired it and completed the formalities of allotment. But problems began when the Revenue Department failed to strike out Dwarkanath’s name from the registration papers.

Taking advantage of this situation, Dwarkanath gave general power of attorney to the Kadapa realtor, Godi Pichi Reddy, who on his part prepared five sale deeds in the name of some of his family members and friends.

The addresses of all of the beneficiaries, however, remained the same, leading the police to suspect that Reddy prepared the benami papers.

Differences

At the same time, Laxman roped in a section of society members who had some differences with the original office bearers and floated another Shanti Nagar Housing Cooperative Society which the court had deemed to be fake.

Laxman later entered into an agreement with Reddy to jointly develop the property on an 80:20 proportion, in which the lion’s share would go the Kadapa realtor. Bidari admitted that there are other layers in the complicated case and that answers to the questions that have arisen in the minds of the investigators will take some more time before they can be made public.

Root problem

“We are yet to get to the root of the problem since the entire list of the society’s members is incomplete,” Bidari said, hinting at the same time that there was pressure from various quarters, including politicians, bureaucrats and other officials when Reddy, who has managed to get himself admitted to Jayadeva Hospital, was arrested.

The commissioner informed that he would soon write to the Revenue Department so it could take possession of the land.

Points to ponder

* Despite the land allotted in 1986 why the members were silent till 2004?
* The authorities failed to check whether the members already owned sites in the City.
* Why the government officials turned a blind eye despite a large chunk of land being vacant in the prime area?
* Who is the senior politician whose name figured in the original society list?
* Another famous politician's brother's name also listed in the 'fake' society list.
* What was the then registrar of co-operative society officials doing while registering an agreement when GP Reddy went ahead with an 80:20 joint development deed?
* Why was GVK Rao committee report ignored?