KIADB officials accused of land scam

Y. Maheswara Reddy | NT

The latest complaint lodged with Karnataka Governor has put Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) officials in a spot. The complaint pertains to Jagadish Shettar’s tenure as industries minister.

Citizens’ Rights Foundation, a Bangalore-based non-governmental organisation, has filed a complaint on Monday with the Karnataka Governor requesting an inquiry into the alleged illegalities by the board during Jagadish Shettar’s tenure as industries minister.

“I want the Governor to order an inquiry into the illegalities committed by the KIADB officials and other influential people allegedly close to Jagadish Shettar and other politicians. After coming to know about the KIADB’s plan to acquire the land for the proposed multi-model logistic park (MMLP), officials and people close to politicians and elected representatives purchased land from farmers at lower price and are now set to receive a huge amount as compensation,” said Citizen Rights Foundation secretary BT Radhakrishna.

The MMPL near Mudalinganahalli in Nelamangala Assembly constituency is one among 25 MMPL projects across the country to be developed under public private partnership. Around 400 acres of land is to be acquired by the KIADB to set up the MMPL at Mudalinganahalli.

“Many farmers in our village sold their land to politicians and officials. We do not want to give our fertile land for the development of a multi-model logistic park. Our MLA has assured us to arrange a meeting with the KIADB officials on Wednesday. Our future course of action will depend on the outcome of the meeting,” said Narasimhamurthy R, a farmer.

The complaint lodged with the Governor states that a Member of Parliament from Karnataka has purchased land in favour of an influential Central Minister (in Kataria’s name). “Senior Cabinet ministers, their close associates, KIADB senior officers and a retired Chief Development Officer have purchased the land,” the complaint stated.