Karnataka Information Commission orders probe after ‘dead man’ appears in Mysuru land records

Karnataka Information Commission initiates inquiries into land disputes after a deceased man appears in Mysuru land records.

The Karnataka Information Commission has ordered high-level inquiries into three separate land dispute cases across Mysuru, Mandya, and Bengaluru Urban districts, with one case in Mysuru drawing particular attention after records allegedly showed a deceased person attending official hearings.

State Information Commissioner Rudranna Hartikote, while hearing appeals filed by three applicants, directed the Deputy Commissioners of the districts concerned and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department to constitute inquiry committees headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioners. These panels have been asked to investigate the cases, submit reports, and inform the applicants of their findings.

The most striking case emerged from Mysuru, where S. Ravi, a resident of Kyathamaranahalli, alleged serious irregularities in records related to Survey No. 155. Mr. Ravi claimed that although his father, Shivachikkayya, had passed away, official documents showed him attending hearings at the taluk office on June 13, 2023, and July 11, 2023, and even signing documents.

Seeking proof, Mr. Ravi filed a Right to Information (RTI) application requesting certified records along with CCTV camera footage of his father’s alleged visits to the office. However, the taluk office failed to provide the requested information.

Taking serious note, the commission observed that such discrepancies could amount to a criminal offence. It directed that an inquiry be conducted under the supervision of the Additional Deputy Commissioner after verifying the death certificate. If wrongdoing is established, officials responsible must face criminal proceedings, and the applicant must be duly informed.

In another case from Mandya district, K.S. Parthasarathi of Kottahalli village in Maddur taluk sought records related to Survey Nos. 53/50 and 53/51, allegedly linked to land alienation in favour of an educational institution. Initially, authorities claimed the file was missing.