Narayanaswamy alleges massive KIADB land scam, seeks probe by sitting judge or central agencies

Bengaluru, Sept 5: Karnataka Legislative Council Leader of Opposition Chalavadi Narayanaswamy on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Congress government, alleging a massive land scam in the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) and demanding a probe by a sitting judge or central investigating agencies.

Releasing a set of documents at Vidhana Soudha, Narayanaswamy alleged that KIADB had been turned into a “real estate company” for influential individuals, with valuable industrial land being allotted by bypassing rules and denying benefits to eligible Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) entrepreneurs.

He alleged that although sites had been announced in the Aerospace Park at Devanahalli, 71 eligible SC and ST applicants had not received land even after five years. Under the applicable rules, entrepreneurs from these communities were entitled to land at concessional rates, but the allotments were allegedly being made without following the prescribed auction procedure, he claimed.

Narayanaswamy demanded an explanation over the alleged allotment of 15 acres to Padmavati Infra and claimed that another 17 acres had been allotted in phases to an influential individual, M. Manjunath. He alleged that the land was subsequently distributed among family members and associates by exploiting SC and ST quota provisions.

According to Narayanaswamy, Manjunath initially obtained two acres under the ST quota and later secured additional land by claiming SC eligibility. He further alleged that some of the land was transferred to family members after questions were raised over the transactions.

He also alleged that land allotted to Good Wives Company was cancelled and later redistributed after the beneficiary became a partner in the company. Land was allegedly secured in the names of relatives and business associates as well, with the total value of the parcels involved estimated at around Rs 200 crore.

Turning his allegations towards Industries Minister M.B. Patil, Narayanaswamy questioned the alleged financial and business links involving companies that benefited from KIADB land allotments.

He alleged that land had been allotted to a company named Vaigai without an auction and questioned the circumstances surrounding the transaction. He also referred to Patil’s election affidavit and alleged a financial connection with Bagmane Estate Company.

“Why did M.B. Patil’s portfolio remain unchanged when several ministers’ portfolios were changed in the Cabinet reshuffle?” Narayanaswamy asked, linking the question to his broader allegations regarding influence over KIADB decisions.

He further alleged that money generated through “illegal site allotments” had moved outside Karnataka and demanded that the government explain the entire chain of transactions.

Taking a swipe at Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s call to report corruption, Narayanaswamy asked, “The Chief Minister says that if anyone sees corruption, they should immediately call. But which number should people call?”

Describing the allegations as a serious issue involving public land and the rights of SC and ST beneficiaries, Narayanaswamy demanded a comprehensive investigation by a sitting judge. Alternatively, he said, the matter should be handed over to the CBI or Enforcement Directorate if the State government was unwilling to conduct an impartial probe.

Warning that the BJP would not allow the issue to be buried, Narayanaswamy said the party would approach the High Court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court if the government failed to act.

The allegations made by Narayanaswamy could not be independently verified.