A routine inspection of a public market in Belagavi by officials from the Public Works Department took an unexpected turn on Monday, resulting in a street brawl between BJP and Congress supporters. The inspection at Rani Channabhairadevi Tinisu Katte food street in Goaves was prompted by an internal audit report revealing discrepancies in rent collection, non-collection of GST, and other issues.
Public Works officials from Bengaluru, tasked with collecting details from the 55 shops and scrutinizing documents, faced opposition from BJP supporters who claimed political motives, alleging that Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi ordered the inspection due to differences with BJP MLA Abhay Patil. In response, Jarkiholi’s supporters accused Patil of irregularities and misusing government funds.
The audit report highlighted wrongful rent assessments, non-consideration of additional areas resulting in a loss of ₹5.3 lakh, failure to collect ₹6.77 lakh GST, and a short collection of a ₹2.6 lakh security deposit.
The inspection was initiated following objections from residents and Belagavi City Corporation members regarding shop allotments and violations of construction guidelines. Allegations against Patil include violating norms by allotting shops to followers and party office-bearers in an opaque manner, contrary to his claim of prioritizing women from deprived communities.
During the inspection, former city corporation member Deepak Jamkhandi asserted that the commercial complex, built with Public Works Department funds, was falsely attributed to Patil’s local area development funds. He claimed that the shops went to prosperous and politically well-connected families, not the intended beneficiaries.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Rajiv Topannanavar raised concerns about irregularities, misappropriation of funds, and bribery. He pointed out the violation of a rule prohibiting permanent structures within 25 meters of Raja Kaluve canals, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the complex’s construction over the canal.
The inspection team announced plans for further scrutiny on Tuesday, with a comprehensive report to be submitted to the government in the coming days.
