K'taka govt puts JD(S) in the dock on land deals

Bangalore, Feb 3: The Karnataka government on Thursday, Feb 3 ordered a probe into certain land deals, said to have been done by the former Prime Minister HD Deva Gowda and his family.

The move is touted as a pay back to Opposition parties, mainly JD(S) which had slapped a series of scam allegations against chief minister BS Yeddyurappa.

Government ordered an enquiry into the grant of 82.10 acres of government land in Paduvalahippe village of Hassan district, allegedly in violation of Land Reforms Act.

The land secured includes 4.39 acres of tank, which was breached and converted into a farm in the name of Gowda's wife Chennamma, and later transferred to his son HD Revanna.

BJ Puttaswamy, Political Secretary to the CM said, “the revenue authorities in Bangalore division had served a notice on H Kavitha, wife of HD Balakrishna Gowda, eldest son of Gowda, for purchasing 8.06 acres at Chikkagubbi village on the city outskirts. She has been asked to appear for enquiry along with documents on Feb 23."

"The lands purchased by family members of Gowda are in violation of Land Revenue Act Section 79 A, which bars anyone having non-agricultural income exceeding Rs two lakh from buying agricultural lands. All those who have purchased lands are Income Tax assesses and cannot purchase lands," he said.

Notices have also been issued to Gowda's another son, former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, who has purchased 21.36 acres near Bidadi in Ramanagara district and another piece of land measuring 22.21 acres in the same area, which he got as gift from his mother-in-law Vimala.

Kumaraswamy has also been slapped with a notice for purchasing 6.38 acres from a SC person.

"Revanna and Kumaraswamy have been repeatedly saying they would retire from politics if anyone proved allegations of illegal land grabbing and irregularities in purchase of lands by them. Now I have proved it with documentary evidence. When will they retire from politics," Puttaswamy said.

OneIndia News
(With inputs from PTI)