Mysuru: Krishnaraja MLA T S Srivathsa has demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged illegal sale of government land in Mysuru and called for strict action against officials and individuals involved in the alleged scam.

Allegation of large-scale land scam

Addressing a media conference on Tuesday, Srivathsa alleged that there was a major irregularity involving government land located at the foot of Chamundi Hill. He said the issue came to light after a sale agreement was reportedly registered for 24 acres and 10 guntas of government land in Survey Number 4 of Kurubarahalli.

The MLA stated that the land was initially estimated to be worth over ₹200 crore. However, he later revised the estimate and claimed that the actual value could exceed ₹900 crore if calculated at approximately ₹10,000 per square foot.

He recalled that he had exposed the issue on March 5 and had raised concerns about the legality of the sale agreement.

Registration cancelled after issue raised

According to Srivathsa, officials acted quickly after the matter was brought to public attention and cancelled the registration of the sale agreement.

However, he alleged that the entire process appeared suspicious and called for a detailed probe into the matter.

“There is a need to investigate the scam and take action against the officials and individuals who attempted to usurp government land,” he said.

He questioned the role played by government officials and others who were allegedly involved in the transaction.

“Who facilitated the attempt to sell government land? What was the role of officials in this process? Should the people involved be allowed to go scot-free?” he asked.

Questions over cash transaction

Srivathsa also raised concerns about the reported repayment of the advance amount related to the sale agreement.

He alleged that the repayment was made in cash and questioned how such a large financial transaction could be carried out in cash.

“Even while cancelling the sale agreement of the 24 acres and 10 guntas of land in Kurubarahalli, the repayment of the advance amount has reportedly been done in cash. Can such huge transactions be carried out in cash? Should this not be investigated?” he asked.

The MLA said the circumstances surrounding the transaction raise serious questions about possible irregularities and require scrutiny by the authorities.

Concerns over legal claim on government land

The MLA further pointed out that a board placed on the disputed land claims that the property belongs to an individual identified as Riyaz Khan.

He said a case related to the land is currently pending before a court in Mysuru and the next hearing in the matter is scheduled for March 18.

Srivathsa questioned how a private individual could file a suit claiming ownership of land that has been identified as government property.

“If the land has already been established as government land, how could someone file a case claiming it as private property?” he asked.

Reference to earlier land issues

During the press conference, the MLA also referred to other issues involving alleged encroachments on government land in the region.

He said that encroachments on lake land at the foot of Chamundi Hill and government land near Ele Thota in Nanjangud had been cleared only after he raised the issue publicly.

However, he questioned whether any action had been taken against the individuals responsible for the encroachments.

“Is it enough to merely remove encroachments or reclaim land? Should there not be criminal action against those who have illegally occupied or attempted to sell government property?” he asked.

Call for accountability

Srivathsa also referred to the earlier controversy related to the allotment of compensatory sites by the erstwhile Mysuru Urban Development Authority, now known as the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA).

He noted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife had returned 14 sites linked to the issue and claimed to have cleared her name.

However, the MLA said the focus should also be on identifying those responsible for the alleged irregularities.

“What action has been taken against those who committed the crime? Is simply reclaiming the land or reversing decisions sufficient?” he asked.

Demand for investigation

The MLA reiterated his demand for a comprehensive investigation into the alleged land scam and urged the government to take strict action against all those involved, including officials who may have facilitated the process.

He emphasised that accountability must be ensured in cases involving public property and government land.

The issue has drawn attention as the alleged scam occurred in the home district of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, further intensifying political scrutiny over the matter.