Bidar: District in-charge minister Eshwar Khandre took action on Wednesday, admonishing an official who had sought a bribe in exchange for property registration at the sub-registrar’s office.
The minister, responding to public complaints, conducted an unannounced inspection of the office. During his visit, he inquired if any illicit payments were being solicited within the office and questioned individuals present for property registration about any fees they might have paid. He reassured them not to be alarmed and encouraged them to provide information about any transactions they had made.
The property registration fee is Rs. 10,000, and there is a stamp duty of Rs. 35.04 lakh that needs to be paid. However, they are insisting on an additional Rs. 48 lakh. The individual filed a complaint with Sub-registrar Subhash Hosalli, alleging that he was asked to provide a bribe of Rs. 50,000. When the minister inquired whether the stamp duty could be reduced if the money was given, the person confirmed this to be the case.
Khandre instructed the district administration officials who were present at the scene to initiate an investigation into the issue. He clarified that he had visited the office in response to complaints and expressed his concern over the situation. He cautioned the deputy registrar to make improvements in the office’s operations.
The minister also conveyed his dissatisfaction with the absence of any seating arrangements for the public in the sub-registrar’s office. He questioned, “Are you supposed to sit comfortably by yourself? Where should the elderly and those who come for registration sit? Can’t you provide some chairs?” When the officer attempted to explain that there was no necessity for anyone to be inside, the minister pointed out that there were already six people in the room upon his arrival and reiterated his reason for being there. Khandre also issued a warning against any wrongdoing or unethical behavior.
