The Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) council meeting on Thursday saw tense exchanges between ruling and opposition members over allegations against the deputy commissioner of the revenue wing, Reshma Talikoti.
Ruling party leader Advocate Hanumant Kongali accused Talikoti of harassing citizens during property pre-delivery inspections (PDI) and demanding heavy bribes. Councillor Ravi Dhotre and others alleged that she disrespected elected representatives and pressed for her immediate transfer. The ruling members demanded a resolution urging the state government to initiate an inquiry and remove her from the post.
They also linked Talikoti to the Vega Funmobile Pvt Ltd tax evasion case, where officials allegedly allowed dues worth nearly ₹4.7 crore to go unpaid. They argued that her continuation in office could influence evidence in the matter, which has already been recommended to the Lokayukta.
Opposition members objected, charging the ruling group with targeting officers who resist political interference. Belagavi North MLA Asif Sait said the council should focus on development and refer any substantiated evidence to competent authorities instead of singling out officials.
However, Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil supported the resolution, stating that allegations against the revenue section required a government-level probe. With ruling members sticking to their demand, the opposition staged a walkout.
After their exit, Mayor Mangesh put the resolution to vote. Senior officials, including commissioner Shubha B and secretary Priyanka C Vinayak, tried to dissuade the members, noting that no charges had been proved. Commissioner Shubha clarified that Talikoti was only one among 25 officials named in the Vega Funmobile case, which remains under investigation.
Despite this, the council passed the resolution seeking her removal and an official inquiry. Deputy Mayor Vani Vilas Joshi presided over the session.
