The Karnataka Forest Department has filed a police complaint against M B Manmatha, also known as Nemanna Gowda, accusing him of forging documents to unlawfully claim 512 acres of forest land in Mudigere taluk of Chikkamagaluru district. The complaint, submitted by the assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Mudigere sub-division, alleges that Manmatha attempted to replace the department’s name with his own in official records by falsely invoking provisions of the Inam Abolition Act.
Details of the complaint
According to the ACF’s complaint to the Mudigere circle inspector, the land parcels under survey number 147/4 and adjoining areas in G Agrahara village, Gonibeedu hobli, are classified as forest land. Manmatha had approached the assistant commissioner, Mudigere, petitioning that his name be recorded as the landholder based on purported grants and alleged payment of required fees.
The forest department states that the documents he submitted were forged with the intention of land grabbing. The assistant commissioner’s order, which highlighted discrepancies in the documents, prompted the forest authorities to immediately initiate action in line with legal directives.
A pattern of disputed claims
The present case mirrors an earlier claim attributed to Manmatha involving 532 acres of land, including 517 acres of B M Kaval forest in Kengeri, Bengaluru. Reports indicate that he had filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court under a different name, Nemanna Gowda. The court ruling in his favour in that matter drew significant attention and triggered a deeper review of his claims across multiple locations.
The controversy intensified on November 28 when Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre ordered a comprehensive crackdown on attempts to encroach or illegally acquire forest land. Following the directive, the Mudigere forest officer proceeded to register the complaint pertaining to the 512-acre claim.
Police response and next steps
The complaint, a copy of which is available with officials, clearly states that the appellant had created forged documents with the objective of grabbing forest land. It requests the police to register a case and initiate action under relevant legal provisions.
A police officer from the Mudigere circle confirmed receipt of the complaint, along with the assistant commissioner’s order. The officer added that the department is currently obtaining legal advice and is awaiting further evidence and supporting documents from the range forest officer before proceeding.
He noted that such cases require careful scrutiny due to the complexity of land classifications and the potential for misuse of historical land grant laws. Authorities are expected to examine both documentary evidence and land records in detail before advancing the investigation.
Broader implications for forest protection
The case highlights the challenges faced by the Forest Department in safeguarding government-owned forest land from fraudulent claims. Senior officials have emphasised the importance of vigilance and coordination between revenue, forest and police departments to prevent encroachments.
The Forest Minister’s call for strict action indicates the government’s determination to protect ecologically sensitive areas and ensure that land meant for conservation is not diverted through illegal means. With multiple cases surfacing around similar patterns of alleged document fabrication, authorities anticipate a wider examination of land records in both Chikkamagaluru and Bengaluru urban limits.
As inquiries progress, officials maintain that transparency, stringent verification and legal action will be critical to preventing further attempts at forest land acquisition through fraudulent methods.
Tags: forest department, land grab case, Mudigere taluk, Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka police, forest conservation
Meta title: Forest department files complaint over alleged 512-acre land grab in Mudigere
Meta description: Karnataka Forest Department files a police complaint against M B Manmatha for allegedly forging documents to claim 512 acres of forest land in Mudigere. Investigation underway.