Minister says probe will be ordered into irregularities in land acquisition by Belagavi City Corporation

Belagavi land acquisition probe to be ordered by State government due to irregularities in Smart City road works, political pressure suspected.

The State government will order a probe into what is being said irregularities in land acquisition for various works in Belagavi city, Minister Satish Jarkiholi said here on Wednesday.

He said that Belagavi Smart City Limited initiated several road construction, widening and other works at a time when there was no elected body in the Belagavi City Corporation.

“Local legislators and some officers decided to take over land belonging to some private individuals, but did not follow the due process of law. This needs to be probed into. We do not know if the officers followed the rules or not. We also do not know if they were under political pressure. A committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner will conduct an investigation. All those who are found to be involved will face action,” Mr. Jarkiholi, who is also district in-charge Minister, said.

“The question why the city corporation has to pay compensation while Smart City took up works should also be answered,’‘ he said.

He suspected that a local political leader is behind these irregularities. But he did not name him.

“Land losers have gone to court opposing this. The High Court has ordered compensation in various cases. Contempt proceedings have been initiated against the city corporation as it has delayed the payments. The city corporation has been asked to deposit ₹20 crore immediately. That will be complied with. But a detailed inquiry will be held to reveal who are behind this,” he said.

He said that if compensation due in all such cases is added up, it will come to more than ₹200 crore. “That is a burden the city corporation will definitely not be able to bear,” he said.