Mysore land scam echoes in Legislative Council

BJP MLC Madhusudan tables report; feels scam worth `10,000 cr

 BJP member in the Legislative Council G Madhusudan made a mention of a recent inquiry report by Mysore Regional Commissioner, where in previous deputy commissioner of Mysore P S Vastrad and other officials, have been indicted of irregularities pertaining to about 2,000 acres of land surrounding Chamundi Hill.

Raising the issue during the debate on the state budget 2013-14, Madhusudhan, who also represents Mysore South Graduate Constituency, said the scam has a magnitude of Rs 10,000 crore.

There are chances of involvement of politicians behind it. “Stringent action needs to be initiated against the officials involved and a fresh inquiry needs to be ordered to dig more in to other powerful men behind the scam,” he said.

Sources in the government said P S Vastrad, who is now with the State Archeology department, as heritage commissioner, is the official indicted in the report. Vastrad has earlier served as the deputy commissioner of Mysore.

However, members of the opposition, including Congress’  S R Patil and JD(S) members Basavaraj Horatti, Puttanna, Marithibbegowda took exception to Madhusudhan for presenting the report before it is handed over to the government.

Opposition members demanded Madhusudhan to make the report as a property of the House and then initiate debate on the same.

However, Madhusudhan said the inquiry itself was initiated following his complaint and he has been officially marked a copy. Leader of the House V Somanna said that he would have a discussion with the Chief Minister and give a clear picture to the House by Friday. Council Chairman D H Shankaramurhty took the report in to his custody later.

Slogans irk Chairman

Members of the opposition, namely Horatti, Puttanna and Marithibbegowda, however, expressed disappointment over the episode and decided to stage a walkout. While going out, Marithibbegowda raised slogans against the house itself and said “Sadanakke dhikkara”.

This irked the council Chairman, who said he would discuss the behaviour of the member in his chamber in the presence of both the leaders of the House and opposition. “We will see what action needs to be initiated in this regard,” he said.