Mangaluru: An investigation by the Puttur, Sub Division Assistant Commissioner (AC) into the case of alleged irregularities in purchase of land by Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara Education Society (SDME) has reportedly concluded that as many as 65.77 acres of land owned by the Society was obtained ‘illegally.’ The Puttur AC is learnt to have submitted this report to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner (DC). DC A.B Ibrahim has confirmed that he has received the report.
It may be recalled here that K Somanath Nayak of Nagarika Seva Trust had registered a complaint in this regard. He had even written three letters dated Sep 29, 2014, Oct 31, 2014 and Apr 27, 2015 to the Principal Secretary of the Revenue Department in connection with this case. Newskarnataka.com is in possession of copies of these letters.
An NGO, Nagarika Seva Trust had raised a complaint (copy available with Newskarnataka.com) pertaining to 65.77 acres, first on Aug 26, 2014 with the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Revenue Minister, Principal Secretary of Revenue Department, Deputy Commissioner, DK, and AC of Puttur, Sub Division. The Minister later directed revenue head of the DK to investigate the same.
The report (KLR.CR: 74/14-19) dated March 3, 2015 submitted by the Assistant Commission of Puttur, Sub Division to the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and which is available with Newskarnataka.com, has categorically stated that “SDMES(R) has no provision in law to purchase 65.77 acres of agricultural lands.” Besides, the report states that the “details compiled by Tahsildar of Belthangady Taluk have been attached to facilitate cancel of RTC and sale deeds of seven different properties.”
The report states that “As per the letter (LRF: 101/92-93) of AC, Mysuru Sub Division dated Feb 20, 1993, the SDME (R), Ujire had obtained permission from the Assistant Commissioner of Mysuru to purchase lands. Following this order, the Society purchased 6.1 acres of land at Kuvettu Village Panchayath (VP), 0.57 acres in Ujire VP, 2.73 acres in Kuvettu, 0.36 acres in Ujire, 17.52 acres in Odinnala, 24.32 acres and 14.16 acres in Ujire.”
The AC, Puttur Sub Division in his report has specifically observed that “the Sub Divisional Officer, Mysuru does not have power to grant permission for sale of said land.”According to Puttur Assistant Commissioner’s Office, “the Mysuru Sub Division Assistant Commissioner had violated Section 80 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act (KLRA), 1961 in granting permission to purchase lands.” As per the Section 80, the Assistant Commissioner enjoys power to sanction sale of agricultural land in his jurisdiction, only to landless labourers, released bonded labourers, retired army officials and displaced tenants.
It has been reliably learnt that even Section 79 (B) of KLRA, 1961 which prohibits acquiring of land by Societies too was flouted by the AC of Mysuru.
A member of Nagarika Seva Trust, Ranjan Rao also commented on the development. He told newskarnataka.com, that “this was a blatant violation by the SDME.” “The SDME in the coming days will have to return the land to the government,” he further added.
DC reacts: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner A.B. Ibrahim when contacted confirmed that he has received the report of the Puttur AC.” I am studying the report comprehensively. Necessary steps will be taken in accordance with law,” he said.
SDME not reachable: Newskarnataka.com’s several efforts to contact the SDM Educational Society on the issue went in vain. Even repeated attempts to contact the Secretary SDME, Dr B Yashovarma over phone proved futile. A text message seeking his response on this development also did not receive any response.
