NewsKarnataka – Bangalore

Bangalore:  The Lokayukta has directed the CID to investigate into the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board land scam which reportedly took place  during the period 2006 to 2011. The CID has been asked to submit the report by July 30.

As per the Lokayukta Act 15(3), the  institution  is allowed to seek the co-operation of investigation agencies like the CID to probe  financial crimes.

The Lokayukta had earlier received a complaint  seeking probe into the land irregularities reported to have taken place during the erstwhile JD(S) and BJP regime. A copy of the complaint along with other documents was recently sent to the office of the ADGO of the CID. The CID has now been asked to  undertake investigation at the earliest so that action could be taken.

Hiremath in his complaint had alleged that several influential politicians and bureaucrats were part of the irregularities involving  land acquisition, provision of compensation, denotification and distribution of land to  industrialists. RTI activist Jayakumar Hiremath had filed a petition in the High Court seeking a CBI probe into the case. The High Court during the hearing took cognizance of the fact that the CAG report  of 2010-11 was made the basis of the argument, directed to file a petition in the Lower Court. Accordingly, a complaint was filed with the Lokayukta.

As per the complaint there have been irregularities to the tune of nearly Rs 6,687 crores during  the process of acquisition of land  measuring 26,674 acres  in several districts including Bangalore and Mysore.