A major land scam has emerged in Bailhongal taluk of Belagavi district, involving the alleged illegal transfer of 5.5 acres registered under the Karnataka Governor. RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad has claimed that land meant for allocation to the poor was fraudulently transferred to private individuals, raising serious concerns about the involvement of senior officials.
The disputed land, part of a 19-acre 30-gunta parcel in Survey No. 221/1B at Mallammana Belavadi, included 6 acres purchased in 2002 and officially recorded under the Governor’s name. The acquisition was part of a government initiative to distribute land to the underprivileged.
However, in recent years, alleged manipulation occurred under the pretext of rectifying land records. According to Gadad, names of private individuals were added without due process, and only 35 guntas remained under the Governor’s name, with the rest being illegally reassigned.
Serious allegations have been made against former Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil and then Assistant Commissioner of Bailhongal, Prabhavathi, regarding their roles in the land record changes. Gadad has demanded strict action against those responsible.
Responding to the accusations, Prabhavathi denied any wrongdoing. She stated that she merely forwarded the file to the Deputy Commissioner in 2023 and did not alter any records. This has led to speculation over whether DC Nitesh Patil made unauthorized changes without approval from the Governor’s office.
The claims made by the RTI activist have sparked significant controversy and concern, as the alleged encroachment on land held in the Governor’s name has sent shockwaves through the district.
