In a development that could put the Opposition in a spot, the Karnataka Housing Board (KHB) has recommended a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the purchase of land for housing layouts in villages near Devanahalli during the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime.
KHB Chairman Malikayya V. Guttedar told The Hindu that when the BJP was in power, the KHB had acquired 70 acres at a cost ₹ 35 crore for developing housing layouts. The plots ranging from 2-15 acres were purchased in villages near Devanahalli, which have no approach roads and other infrastructure such as electricity and water. Moreover, lands were purchased from farmers at higher value than the prevailing guidance value during 2008-2013.
Politicians, officials of the KHB and the Bengaluru Rural district were involved in the scam, alleged Mr. Guttedar. Former minister and now JD (S) MLA G.T. Deve Gowda was the chairman of the Board and V. Somanna was the housing minister when the alleged scam had taken place.
Mr. Guttedar said Board officials, backed by the then BJP government, purchased land surrounding Nandi Hills without planning. The KHB cannot develop housing layouts on small plots. “Now, with no approach roads and other facilities, there are no purchasers for the land.” The real estate mafia was also involved in the purchase of land by the Board, he alleged.
To expose the officials, including those of the KHB, and politicians involved in the alleged land purchase scam, the Board has recommended to the government to conduct a CID probe, Mr. Guttedar said.
After a bad experience in land purchase deals involving officials and politicians, the Board stopped purchasing or acquisition of land for developing housing layouts in Bengaluru and other cities. The Board now proposes to enter into joint ventures with farmers for forming housing layouts.
However, the proposed joint venture scheme of the Board has been stalled at the secretariat level owing to lack of enthusiasm by senior officials in the Housing Department, which is headed by M. Krishnappa, sources said.
Under the proposed joint venture scheme, the farmers, whose lands are acquired for housing colonies, would get 40% of developed land while the KHB would develop layouts in the rest of the land.
