CID to Investigate Alleged Land Scam in Belagavi Urban Development Authority | Breaking May-2023

CID Launches Investigation into Alleged Land Scam in Belagavi Urban Development Authority

Belagavi, Karnataka – In a significant development, Satish Jarkiholi, Minister of Public Works Department (PWD) and senior Congress leader, has announced that the alleged land scam in the Belagavi Urban Development Authority (BUDA) will be investigated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Jarkiholi stated that the scam, which is believed to have occurred in March 2022, resulted in a loss of approximately Rs 100 crore to the state exchequer.

Addressing media persons in Belagavi, Minister Jarkiholi hinted at possible irregularities in land allotments under the previous government, highlighting stark differences in prices between plots allotted through manual auction and those auctioned online. He provided examples where sites were allegedly allotted for just Rs 20-25 lakh through manual auctioning, whereas online auctions fetched prices exceeding Rs 1 crore. These discrepancies have raised concerns and prompted the decision to launch a thorough investigation by the CID.

The decision to involve the CID underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the government’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in land transactions. The CID, known for its expertise in criminal investigations, will employ its resources and capabilities to examine contentious transactions meticulously. This move reflects the government’s determination to bring any wrongdoers to justice and recover the substantial financial losses suffered by the state exchequer.

Furthermore, Bailhongal MLA Mahantesh Koujalagi has also been advocating for Bailhongal as the district headquarters. This issue has garnered attention as part of the larger discussions surrounding the alleged irregularities in the Belagavi Smart City project. Minister Jarkiholi acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the public that a meeting would be held in the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) on June 6 to address the situation. Subsequently, separate meetings with officials from various departments will take place to gain a comprehensive understanding of the matter.

The Minister’s commitment to conducting these meetings demonstrates the government’s willingness to engage with stakeholders, assess the current state of affairs, and take necessary actions to rectify any discrepancies. By involving officials from different departments, the government aims to analyze the situation comprehensively and make informed decisions regarding the Belagavi Smart City project.

The alleged land scam in the Belagavi Urban Development Authority has caused significant concern among citizens and stakeholders. The announcement of a CID investigation brings hope that justice will be served, and those responsible for the loss of funds will be held accountable. The CID’s involvement, known for its impartiality and expertise, ensures a thorough and unbiased investigation into the alleged irregularities.

As the investigations unfold, the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be closely observed. The citizens of Belagavi and the wider public eagerly await the results of the CID’s investigation and the subsequent actions that will be taken to address the alleged land scam.

The minister stated in response to a question regarding the ongoing conflict in Belagavi between the state government and private APMCs (agricultural produce market committees): “Our intention is to ensure that nobody suffers.”
According to Jarkiholi, “We had demanded the same when we were in the opposition, as Belagavi is one of the largest districts in the state with a population of more than 50 lakhs, straddling a total of 18 assembly constituencies.” The demand is for the division of the Belagavi district into three parts, Belagavi, Chikodi, and Gokak.

The decision to assign the CID to probe the alleged land scam in the Belagavi Urban Development Authority is a significant step towards ensuring accountability and transparency in government dealings. The forthcoming meetings with officials from various departments will shed light on the Belagavi Smart City project’s irregularities, offering the opportunity to rectify any discrepancies. The public will be closely watching the developments as they unfold, hoping for justice to prevail and for those responsible to be held accountable.

Follow Us: