BDA chief smells Rs 200-cr scam in site allotments

The Bangalore Development Authority allotted 2.22 acres and 117 sites to the Binnypet Residents' Association (BRA) when the model code of conduct was in force, it has emerged. Interestingly, of the 117 sites, the association has already sold 81 to a private construction company — Kanmani Constructions.

BDA commissioner Rakesh Singh learnt about the anomalies in the process of acquiring sites in April and had directed the sub-registrar to withhold the property registration. He also ordered an enquiry into the allotment of land. The market price quoted for the land is Rs 200 crore.

The 117 sites are in JP Nagar 8th Phase, 2nd Block, 7th Block, Nandini Layout, Sir MV Layout 1st Block and BSK 2 and 6th Stage and 2.22 acres in Vasanthapura.

According to a senior BDA official, instead of the BDA deputy commissioner-1, who is usually vested with the powers of bulk allotment, the deputy commissioner-4 handed over the land. Moreover, DC-4 was appointed polling officer in the Govindarajanagar constituency and there were clear directions that the officer should not indulge in any other work, barring poll-related duties.

Ex-employees cry foul

Former BDA employees have filed a complaint with the authority’s commissioner, stating that two acres allotted to the Binnypet Residents' Association were in fact allotted to them in 2013.

On January 23, 1988, the BDA had approved to allot sites to the Binny Mill's serving and retired employees. The Binny Limited (BL) then paid Rs 22 lakh to the BDA. On March 14, 1996, the BDA decided to give 5.22 acres of land at survey numbers 113, 18/2 and 18/3, in Vollagerahalli, Jnanabharathi Layout.

Later on May 2, 1997, the BDA handed over the site distribution papers. However, the BDA, citing the Land Wholesale Distribution Policy, 1995, Rule 10(A), cancelled the allotment on October 30, 2004.

In the meantime, the authority’s retired employees requested it to allot 45 acres of land to them under the umbrella of the BDA Employees' Welfare Association on the same land in Vasanthapura village. They also paid for the sites. The BDA board immediately approved 42 acres of land to the association.

BDA retired employees say that the BDA has now allotted the very same land in Vasanthapura to the Binnypet Residents' Association, which had paid the initial amount.

The authority handed over possession certificates for 2.22 acres land in Vasanthapura for 117 sites to the Binnypet Residents' Association on April 21, 2018.

Now, the retired employees have written to the BDA commissioner stating that the move was unfair and nothing should be done until the next BDA board orders.

Probe ordered

BDA Commissioner Rakesh Singh has directed the BDA task force to conduct an inquiry into the case.

Task Force SP Jagadish said BDA ex-employees had submitted documents pertaining to the allotment and that the enquiry is on.