The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) has come under intense scrutiny over a series of controversies, including alleged irregularities in a laptop distribution scheme, lease violations by a local club, and a massive property tax evasion case.
BCC Commissioner Shubha B has ordered a thorough investigation into claims of inflated pricing and the installation of pirated software in 203 laptops distributed to SC/ST students. The devices were reportedly procured at ₹49,000 each, although Dalit groups highlighted that their Maximum Retail Price (MRP) was only ₹35,000. A special officer has been appointed to probe the issue, and 10 laptops have been recovered for technical examination. Initial findings have pointed to the use of pirated Windows software and additional software installation charges of ₹10,000 per unit.
Corporators, including Hanumant Kongali, Ravi Dhotre, Ramesh Sontakki, and Dinesh Nashipudi, raised strong objections during Tuesday’s council meeting. Kongali alleged that the funds—intended as direct student aid—were diverted for laptop procurement without proper approval. He also flagged a major procedural lapse, noting that tenders were issued in January, while formal approval from the Finance Standing Committee was granted only in March.
Commissioner Shubha B acknowledged the lapses and assured a detailed investigation, while Mayor Mangesh Pawar directed that the final report be presented to the council. MLA Abhay Patil echoed concerns, accusing officials of misleading corporators and calling for strict accountability.
Another flashpoint at the council meeting was the Tilakwadi Club, which reportedly violated its lease terms by engaging in commercial activities. Although Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Reshma Talikoti confirmed the lease had been cancelled, the club managed to obtain a court stay. Corporators criticized the administration for failing to file a caveat, which allowed the stay to proceed uncontested.
In a separate issue, Vega Funmobile Pvt Ltd was accused of defaulting on ₹7.3 crore in property tax. Officials confirmed that final seizure proceedings would begin on June 19 after the lapse of a 24-hour deadline. While MLA Asif Sait suggested a one-time settlement, authorities clarified that existing regulations no longer permit such a resolution.
