Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter LOKASEVA HOUSING Co-op SOCIETY-Scam-3 Yelahanka Layout: two hoots for the law of the land

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 LOKASEVA HOUSING CO-OP SOCIETY-Scam-3 

 Yelahanka Layout: two hoots for the law of the land The Yelahanka Layout formed by the Lokaseva Housing Co-op. Society at Kogilu makes one wonder whether the law of the land is applicable to the above mentioned society. The Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society is headed by M.N Gururaj, alias M N Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary of KPSC who is functioning as the Secretary to the society since its inception. 

The society or rather M. N. Gururaj has been collecting sital deposits from the members (?) since 2004 by stating that the layout works were progressing. However, the BDA in its latest information has categorically revealed that it has not approved the layout of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. Then, how can one begin layout works without the sanction from the BDA? Is the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society or M. N. Gururaj above the law? 

 In our last two issues, we exposed how M. N. Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society, who also functions as Assistant Secretary in KPSC as M.N Gururaj Rao had played fraud in the Nagadevanahalli Layout. We have also exposed how M. N. Gururaj sold sites in areas reserved for CA sites and about his futile attempts at browbeating the BDA to get more sital areas. Interestingly, the sites were allotted to the employee members of the KPSC through draw of lots. This is the boasting of M. N. Gururaj to claim transparency in the allotment. 

 But the hard fact is different. Even though the society was limited to the employees of the KPSC, Gururaj has allotted more than 50 sites to the outsiders by treating them as members. The layout formed in an extent of 12 acres, was suffice to cater to the needs of the 192 employees of KPSC. In fact, out of this, only 165 were eligible as they had paid sital deposits. However, M. N. Gururaj has registered more than 200 sites. 

 We had taken a sample of around 87 registered deeds and shockingly found more than 30 names of outsiders that are those, who are not employees of KPSC. Why go far, M. N. Gururaj’s brother M. N. Nagaraja Rao, an employee in PSIT was also given a site bearing No. 149 which was registered on 06-10-2010. Gururaj who has built a three storied building near Kumaraswamy Layout has also allotted a site to himself as well. Besides, his another brother too was given a site. 

 Of course, the BDA released 192 sites to the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. As per the rule, the Society has to submit the seniority list of members duly certified by the registrar of Co-op Societies. But who cares? M. N. Gururaj, who has grown bigger than the law because of his reach and clout, definitely did not care. Besides, even the BDA did not insist on the lawful procedure. 

 Forget about this. The Yelahanka Layout at Kogilu by M. N. Gururaj stands as the shining example for his contempt towards the law of the land. The Nagadevanahalli Layout was sufficient to cater to the needs of the less than 200 employees of KPSC. But Gururaj continued to form layouts so that he can do the real estate business. 

 The latest layout undertaken by him is in Kogilu village near Yelahanka. For the last seven years, he is busy in this layout. In fact, he has sent letters to companies and factories offering sites to their employees. This is a direct violation of the co-operative spirit. How can a Co-op Society, formed to cater to the housing needs of the KPSC employees, advertises sale (allotment) of sites to outsiders and that too by forming new layouts? It is sheer rubbish. But who cares? 

 In the Yelahanka Layout (Kogilu) abetting the Arkavathi Layout, Gururaj has forming hundreds of sites in three stages. He is collecting sital deposits to the tune of crores from members and non members promising them the allotment. In fact, in 2005 itself, Gururaj had sent a circular to the purchasers to pay up sital deposits ranging from Rs. 40,000 to 1,00,000 depending on the size of the sites as second installments from the aspirants. 

 But the most astonishing aspect of this 2005 circular, mind it 2005 year, is that Gururaj has stated that civil works of the layout were progressing. This means that the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society had started the civil works of the layout by 2005 itself and the rule is that the society can start the civil works of the layout only after the BDA approves the layout plan. 

 What does the BDA have to say in this regard? As per the information obtained under RTI, the Town Planning Member in BDA states that the BDA has not sanctioned any layout plan in Kogilu in favour of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. This simply means that Gururaj has taken the members (?) for a ride by stating that the layout works are progressing and that too in the year 2005! 

 The law of the land stipulates that the society should get the lands acquired on its behalf by the Land Acquisition Officer which is a long drawn process. Before the land acquisition, the society has to identify the lands, send proposal/request to the land acquisition officer explaining the need for the lands along with the information about the number of members who need the land and with supervision and other charges. Finally, the BDA gives sanction after the society hands over the areas meant for CAs. 

 Only after these formalities are over, the society can take up the civil works under the supervision of the BDA engineers who have to see that the society adheres to the sanctioned plan. Once the works are completed, the BDA then releases the sites to the society, in the name of the members. For this purpose, the society has to submit the seniority list of the members duly certified by the Registrar of Co-op Societies. The society can start registration of sites in favour of the allottees thereafter only. 

 This is the rule. On the face of it, Gururaj in the year 2005 itself said that the layout works were progressing. This implies that the BDA had sanctioned the layout plan then. Otherwise there is no question of civil works being undertaken by the society. And the Town Planning Member in BDA says that BDA has not sanctioned any layout plan in favour of the society at Kogilu. 

 What does all this mean? 

 Any Comments???

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE LAP OF GREAT LOSS INSULT TO INDIAN FLAG AND CULTURE

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE LAP OF GREAT LOSS INSULT TO INDIAN FLAG AND CULTURE 

 Sachin Tendulkar has shouldered India for 21 years and it was the time that the players carried him on their shoulders was the remark of a player soon after the final victory. They then carried Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders for a victory lap as this was his last world cup. All is well till here, but what happened next is shocking indeed. Virat Kohli had wrapped the Indian Tri- colour on his back and as the world watched, Sachin sat on his shoulders. While the Indians were rejoicing the victory, Sachin was carried for a big victory lap and he was literally sitting on the Indian flag. 

 Worst was the fact that while his left leg hanged down, it was touching the tri colour and his left shoe was continuously trampling the Indian honour. Let us recall that Sachin had already faced National flag disrespect controversy when he had cut a Tri colour cake few years back. This obviously means that Sachin must be well aware about the respect of national flag since the issue was severely blown up last time. Then, again committing such a disgraceful act is definitely condemnable. 

 Further, it is known that Champaign is a part of celebration, but, it has to be limited to the dressing room and not in public view. Players celebrate the victory opening the Champaign, drinking and dancing in the dressing room, but it was very saddening to see Sachin drinking the Champaign openly in front of the world. Sachin is a renowned player world wide and treated as a role model by many and they accept and follow his style and practices. Obviously, display of such uncultured acts in public have serious repercussions on the generations and damage the fabric of Indian culture. Worst again is that Sachin after drinking the Champaign wiped his face with the National flag he was carrying. It was not just Sachin, but other players too did not lag behind in this matter. One does understand their ecstasy and celebrations, but, wrapping the national flag around their body, wiping their faces and sweats with the flag, with a Champaign bottle in their hands and sipping it in public glare, is definitely a deplorable act. 

 As per the Prevention of Insult to national Honour Act 1971, "Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both." 

 The entire team including the ‘God’ Sachin in their unlimited joy and ecstasy has hurt not only the sensibilities of the people at large but also insulted the National flag by sitting on it, trampling it with the leg and shoe and wiping their face and mouth with it after drinking the Champaign. 

 While India lifted the trophy after 28 years and whole of India rejoiced, let us not forget that it was meant for Sachin Tendulkar. Besides, the insult to the National flag and uncultured acts by the players are perks for the nation. 

 Sachin Tendulkar is all around proposed for Bharat Ratna award though the criterion does not cover Sports contributions. Whatsoever, like the case of Narayan Murthy who lost his Indian President seat due to the national Anthem controversy, the Tri colour Cake controversy and the recent deplorable acts definitely go into Sachin’s accounts. 

And that is all……..

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WORLD CUP 2011: THE GREAT LOSS OF INDIA CELEBRATIONS CALM DOWN. REALITY BITES NOW

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

WORLD CUP 2011: THE GREAT LOSS OF INDIA 

CELEBRATIONS CALM DOWN. REALITY BITES NOW 

 Congratulations to India and Team India for winning the Cricket World Cup, 2011. Well, now that the euphoria seems to be in control, let us talk about some relevant and important incidents that are associated with Indian cricket. 

 Dear fellow citizens, please do not get emotional or excited after the knowing the fact that our Indian cricket team never played or won the world cup for our India. Of course, they played and won it for the star Batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who would retire soon and not play in the next 2015 world cup. 

 Yuvraj Singh had earlier stated that he is playing the world cup for a particular person and will reveal the name of the individual later. He later made it clear that it was indeed Sachin Tendulkar. Most of the players after winning the finals admitted that they all played with their goal being World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar. 

 All these mean one simple conclusion that Sachin Tendulkar was put above India. Nobody disputes the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar who has broken myriads of records in cricket world. He has created records which other players in the near future can not even think of breaking, let alone equaling. But, does that mean that he is put above the nation? If the players have played and won for Sachin, then team India should be renamed as team Sachin. If at all, he was the only consideration then there was no need to play under the name and style of India. Now that he is retiring and will not be playing 2015 World cup, does it imply that our players will have no reason to win the next world cup? 

 Cricket has given Sachin everything in the world. He has name, fame and money and undoubtedly he is worth hundreds of crores. The ‘endorsement’ agreement he signed few years back is said to be more than 250 crores! Of late few ardent fans of Sachin and some sections of the electronic media have even started calling him ‘God’ of cricket. And even though the contribution of the great Sachin was negligible in the final match, the attribution was such that as if he has brought us the world cup. 

 Just like how one attributes his achievements to his near and dear ones, the ‘World Cup’ victory may have been attributed to Sachin as a mark of gratitude by his team mates. Nobody would have objected to the players dedicating the World cup to Sachin. But, in stead, the players said in unison that they played for and won the World cup for him. This has indeed disappointed a large section of cricket fans who were under the impression that the players were playing for India and that they are paid in crores for the same. 

 Whenever any team wins an international tournament, the Captain normally says that the team won because of the team spirit and the collective contribution from all the players and the guidance by the coach. They attribute the success to the entire team including supporting staff. Even though there may be one or two players who might have played dominant and decisive role in the win and are particularly mentioned, but still attributing the success to the team effort is in good spirit. 

 Of course, the moment the Indian team won, millions of people not necessarily cricket fans, celebrated the events as if they had won the world cup! It was the word ‘India’ that mattered. And truly, it is always the country that matters in such glorious feats and not any individual. Take for example the Indian victory in 1983 and everybody remembers that Kapil Dev had captained Indian team. But they will hardly remember other players of the team? It will be hard to recall all of them which mean that the country matters in such glorious feats and not the team members. 

 The 2011 world cup win is exclusively a victory for India with nobody’s share in it. The players have unfortunately, belittled the importance of the victory of the world cup by not stating that they won it for the country instead for an individual, however high or mighty he/she may be.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE NAKED TRUTH THE STINT WORKED. POONAM BECOMES HIT

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE NAKED TRUTH 

 THE STINT WORKED. POONAM BECOMES HIT 

 Selling is an art and it needs a strategy. Be it a product or ones self, it takes a great deal of effort to hit the sale peak. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and the same is in selling. Sometimes your strategies click and sometimes it is courage that takes you to the peak instantly. 

 At one moment we had never heard of a Kingfisher Model named Poonam Pandey, and the next moment we realize that she is one of the top downloaded celebrities on internet. Whatever one has to say, the strategy of Poonam Pandey has clicked. 

 Well, as we are already aware, she offered to go full Monty for thousands of Cricket fans in the stadium and also exclusively for the Indian Cricket Team in their dressing room, if they won the Cricket World Cup 2011. 

 The biological instinct worked and the internet was obsessed with Poonam or rather for the proposal she offered. She even wrote a letter to BCCI asking for a humble permission to strip before the players in order to boost their morale without creating or igniting any controversy. Interestingly, India won the World Cup and the fans were double delighted. 

 However, Poonam went into hiding since then. She reportedly received many threats from various individuals and groups and was warned with dire consequences if she proceeded with her plans of going nude. Whatsoever, Poonam has hit the sales target and has received multiple offers from various magazines, TV Channels etc. etc. Poonam however continues to accept and abide by her proposal to strip. She is just waiting for the right opportunity and thousands are waiting for that moment. She recently again defended her move and stated that “There is no vulgarity in nudity” and that “We are all born naked”. 

 Yes of course Poonam, we all know that we were born naked. But, perhaps you have to be explained that there is a lot of difference between a naked new born and a naked 19 year old lady. Anyways, while you have hit the target, celebrate the success and remember that the next World Cup is in 2015.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GOODBYE MAYOR ANOTHER MAYOR TO DEPART WITH ZERO ACHIEVEMENTS

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 GOODBYE MAYOR 

ANOTHER MAYOR TO DEPART WITH ZERO ACHIEVEMENTS 

 S.K Nataraj is completing his term of one year as Mayor of BBMP and from next month we will have a new Mayor for our city. Well then, its time to assess the achievement of S.K.Nataraj as the first Mayor of the newly formed BBMP. And sadly, his only achievement is being the first Mayor of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, nothing more and nothing less. 

 The BBMP Commissioner Mr. Siddaiah’s revelations are sufficient enough to sum up the achievements of Mayor. The BBMP Commissioner had recently revealed that the BBMP’s financial position is on the verge of collapse and that there is no money in BBMP coffers. 

 The BBMP owes 3500 crores to the contractors. It has to repay more than 3000 crores loan and is paying around 300 crores as interest. The 1000 plus crores collected as property tax is peanuts compared to the size of the BBMP which has 750 sq kms area with 200 wards. The other taxes do not account for more than 15% of the BBMP’s revenue. BBMP perhaps does not have corporators and bureaucrats, who can think of ingenious and novel ideas to raise revenue and make it self reliant so that BBMP does not go to the Government begging for grant. In this aspect the Mayor S. K. Nataraj is an utter flop. 

 Of course, the Mayor could not have done anything more under the present situation. The budget tabled by the Mayor through the Chairman of the Finance committee, was the most unrealistic one. While the annual revenue of the BBMP is not more than 1500 crores, the budget tabled and passed was for more than 8800 crores. The BBMP expected the Government to release a grant of 1300 crores, but, the Government released only 300 crores. 

 As the Mayor, that is the first citizen of Bangalore, S.K.Nataraj should have provided a dynamic leadership with far sight to the BBMP, but could not do so, of course due to many factors. In fact, there was not much S. K. Nataraj could do in BBMP. For the first month, he was busy attending felicitation functions followed by selection of the Chairman and Members of the various Standing Committees. As the aspirants were too many, the number of Standing Committees was also increased to 12 and few days later, the Mayor was busy preparing the budget. All these took almost five months of the Mayors tenure. 

 The Budget part of BBMP was indeed the most irrational thing which clearly signified that no body including the Mayor showed interest in presenting a pragmatic budget. The budget prepared and approved by the Administrator before the Mayor rule, had put the figure at 4000 crores. But two months later, the elected body raised it to 8800 crores without considering the basics. The budget unrealistically put expected figures of Rs. 750 crores from Akrama-Sakrama scheme and 1300 crores from Government as special grants. 

 Even if these figures were to materialize, the BBMP would have 1500 crores from its own sources and 2000 crores from Akrama-Sakrama and Government grants totaling 3500 crores. In that case, how could the BBMP present a budget for 8800 crores? And mind it, the budget was only for nine months. It is here that S. K. Nataraj failed to see the ground reality. 

 Now that the financial year has come to an end, the BBMP was given a paltry grant of 300 crores by the Government instead of 1300 crores as expected by BBMP. No revenue has come from Akrama-Sakrama, as the scheme itself is yet to see the light. The BBMP has thus ended this financial year and also the term of the Mayor S. K. Nataraj with a shortfall of more than 6000 crores if the budget estimates are taken as the base. The BBMP is assured of 1500 crores of its own sources that are property tax and other license fees. 

 The Mayor however had tried to mobilize some more funds by levying betterment charges, Garbage cess etc. But, here too, lack of clarity disrupted the proceedings. The betterment charges of converted properties were expected to bring in about 500 crores, but there is a lot of confusion about the implementation of the scheme. Most of the ‘converted’ sites/properties were regularized by erstwhile BMP and CMCs much before the formation of the BBMP. As such, not much can be expected from this scheme. 

 It is another matter that S. K. Nataraj was laid down with illness for almost two months and as usual, the absence was exploited by the bureaucracy. In a way, the BBMP had no working Mayor for two months and the Deputy Mayor also was not allowed to discharge the Mayor’s duties. 

 More than anything, the Mayor had a running feud with the BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah. Under the present set up in the BBMP (and also earlier BMP), the Mayor has no executive powers and therefore cannot control the Commissioner. The feud between the Mayor and the Commissioner has become a permanent system in BBMP since years. The Commissioner in the present set up can refuse or reject Mayor’s order or directions and there is no way for the Mayor to enforce his decision then. The feud between them reached a flash point when the Mayor publicly accused the Commissioner of non co- operation and demanded his replacement. 

 Finally, the Bangalore In charge Minister R.Ashoka intervened and affected a truce between them. 

Unless the Mayor has executive powers, no Commissioner can be brought under control and S. K. Nataraj utterly failed to convince the Government of vesting executive powers to the Mayors. 

 It is another matter that Mayors in major Metropolitan cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkatta etc. have executive powers and the Commissioners are bound to follow their orders. But the Mayor in BBMP and also in other Mahanagara Palike in the state is been reduced to mere titular heads without any powers. 

 S. K. Nataraj had also lamented that the Mayor has only one year term which is not sufficient to mark their rule and wished for 30 months term for the Mayor. But it is easier said than done. True, nobody can achieve much in12 month tenure, but the political Masters of the Mayors have to decide about the same. And on the contrary, no leader can allow a Mayor to overtake them in popularity by allowing him in power for long. 

 Whatsoever, S. K. Nataraj did not excel himself either in administration or in getting a name for himself. He has just become one among the former Mayors. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE POLITICS OF POSTING JAYARAM OUT SHIVAPPA IS NEW IGR and CS

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

THE POLITICS OF POSTING 

JAYARAM OUT SHIVAPPA IS NEW IGR and CS 

 S.N Jayaram, Inspector General of Registration and Commissioner of Stamps is shown the door, and Shivappa, the loyal official of Reddy Brothers is brought in as the new IGR&CS. Jayaram, who had not spent even 300 hundred hours in his office for the last one year had to go under disgrace. Shivappa who earlier worked as a District Registrar is posted in his place, of course, due to the political compulsions of the Reddy Brothers. 

 S.N. Jayaram is a very ambitious man. Even after being appointed as the IGR, he continued to hold the charge of MD of Apex Bank. Later he was given charge as the Commissioner for Survey Settlement department too. But, after becoming the IGR & CS, he soon realized that he does not have power even to transfer a group D employee and the scope of making a good income also was not that attractive. He therefore preferred to work from his MD Chambers most of the time and would make a flying visit to the IGR’s office once or twice a week and leave after spending an hour or two, at the most. 

 Very recently, Jayaram had invited the ire of the Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy. It is to be recalled that Reddy Brothers are facing serious trouble in their mining business. Jayaram was expected to help them out to tide over the trouble as he happens to be the commissioner of Survey Settlement. However, he failed and was showed the door. 

Shivappa, another IAS official who is nearing retirement has been brought in as IGR. Shivappa is the darling of the Reddy Brothers as he was their handpicked candidate for the Bellary DC post from the word go. It is to be remembered that when the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa shunted out Shivappa from Bellary, the Reddy Brothers rose in revolt against Yedurappa and were almost succeeded in toppling him but for the last minute truce. Such is the importance Reddy Brothers gave to Shivappa. After the truce, Shivappa was brought back to Bellary as DC. 

 Off late, the Reddy Brothers are in serious trouble from Supreme Court cases and other assorted cases. Their empire is slowly but steadily crumbling and Shivappa was to be the protector. But somehow, Shivappa felt the heat of CBI probe and had to distance from the Reddy Brothers, for public consumption. When he was transferred two months back, it was given to understand that Reddy Brothers have got him shifted for his non co-operation in protecting them suitably from the probe. This impression is purposely created to insulate Shivappa for facing the CBI enquiry where he had to defend his actions. What more, he was not given any posting too. This was a clever ploy to send a message that Shivappa had fallen out of favour with Reddy Brothers. 

 And now the cat is out of the bag. The Reddy Brothers have brought him to the IGR post and in all possibility he will be given the Survey Department also. Nobody can have any doubt of Shivappa doing anything he can to obey the diktats of Reddy Brothers and going out of the way to help them. But that does not make him immune from the long arms of law. Shivappa had invited trouble from the High Court also in the matter of the election of Sriramalu’s sister from Bellary Loksabha constituency. He was grilled in the High Court for all the lapses. 

More than anything, the CBI probe into the illegal mining activities has already turned the heat on many of Reddy Brothers loyalists, retainers and associates. Shivappa who was almost a sort of partner to them, will have to face the CBI questions, if not today, tomorrow. In fact, if he were to be in Bellary as its DC, the CBI could have already touched him by now. It is for this precise reason that Shivappa got himself eased out of Bellary and remained without a post all these days. Nobody knows when the CBI will strike as the probe has become a prestige issue to both the CBI and the AP Government. And not to be left, Yedurappa is also breathing down the necks of Reddy Brothers. As such the Reddy Brothers needs the services of their loyal officials at strategic places and Shivappa is the best choice. 

 Besides, Shivappa is no new comer to the department and its fertility. He had worked as the District Registrar in Srirampura Undervaluation for a long time. His corruption at that time, to say the least, was rotten. However, he has already made heaps of money and as such he may not be bothered about it. Perhaps, what bothers him is the safe keeping of his crores. 

 Shivappa therefore may not try to mint money, but who knows, old habits die hard. As he is nearing the end of service shortly, he must do well in the department. 

 One definitely hopes against hope that Shivappa may prove ‘good’ at least during the fag end of his tainted career. Jayaram deserved the treatment and there can be no second opinion about it. As they say ‘as you sow so you reap’ this applies to Shivappa too.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter RAMYA V/S GANESH

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

RAMYA V/S GANESH 

DRAMA IN REAL LIFE 

The recent high drama in the Sandalwood is another addition to actress Ramya’s controversy. 

 The issue of her not attending the promotion of a film ‘Dandam Dashagunam’ produced by A. Ganesh has vertically divided the Sandalwood. 

 The issue is a trivial one which involves the financial transaction between Ganesh and Ramya. Ramya was paid 27 lakh as her remuneration for acting by the producer Ganesh and there is no dispute about it. But the crux of the matter is Rs. 10 lakhs financed by Ramya to Ganesh. The producers do take loans from stars and this has become a common practice. There is nothing new about it. 

 After the production, Ganesh took to film promotion which is a new trend in Sandalwood. The Producer, Director, lead Artists etc. hold press meets, participate in chat shows in TV Channels and even tour selected cities and towns to promote their film before its release. It is all about creating hype about the film to make people see it. Except rare exceptions, stars willingly participate in the promotion. 

 As usual, Ganesh too held a press meets to interact with the media but, Ramya, the leading lady in the film kept herself away from the press meet. When a reporter asked Ganesh at the conspicuous absence of Ramya, Ganesh said that she has not turned up despite her promise. Desperate to have her on the show, Ganesh is said to have contacted her on the mobile and Ramya was then shopping in a furniture shop. Basant Kumar Patil, the KFC Chairman understood the situation and realised that Ramya will not turn up. He addressed the Media and shared his views about the need to make it compulsory for the stars to attend the film promotion. 

 All hell broke lose at this comment of Basant Kumar Patil. Ramya added fuel to the fire by stating that the producer has not settled her account. She however took enough care to avoid mentioning of the loan amount, due from Ganesh. The KFC held a meeting over the issue and Ramya to pre-empt their move, tweeted that she will not act further in Kannada films. The very next day, she attended another film promotion and shed tears over her plight. She made a statement that she had lent money to Ganesh and he has not cared to settle her account. This was enough for some of the fellow artists to rush to her rescue. 

Ambareesh a leading light of the yesteryear Cinema and who is also the President of the Artists Association took up Ramya’s case. He directed Ganesh to pay Ramya her dues and apologise publicly to her that too before the media. The KFC had in the meanwhile decided to approach Ambareesh for a patch up bid. But, at the last moment, the move was abandoned as other Artists too started demanding settlement of their dues as well. Finally, the KFC and other Associations took the extreme step of banning Ramya. 

 In fact, Ramya was hiding the truth about the loan to Ganesh. The amount of Rs. 10 lakhs was lent to Ganesh by somebody and the loan agreement has a provision that Ganesh has to settle the loan before the release of the film. Ramya has also taken a blank cheque signed by Ganesh as an additional surety. The agreement contains the signature of Ramya as a witness and the lender is somebody else. It is another matter that Ganesh has already paid six lakhs towards loan and his dues are around four lakhs. The interest is a different story of course. Nobody lends money to the producers at a normal rate of interest and Ramya had damned the producer for not paying up this money. She is now demanding 9 lakhs as due. 

 Of course, Ramya could have obtained ‘stay’ from the court against the release of the film if Ganesh had not paid up by then. She could have even approached the KFC, but the matter was purely a financial transaction in personal capacity. Moreover there is also a blank cheque signed by Ganesh which she could have presented to the bank and filed a cheque bounce case in case of dishonour, which could have brought her the money in no time. But the main problem is that Ramya has not given the loan to Ganesh personally and the lender, as per records, is a different person. 

 Ganesh, who has invested more than 4.50 crore to produce the film, has become a discredited person with the Ramya’s episode. He has three more films which are at the various stages of completion and for a paltry few lakhs, he has been publicly humiliated and damned. Ramya will have the last laugh as she is supported by Ambareesh and other leaders of the sandalwood and the ban will not affect her in any way. 

 The film industry comprises of Producers, Directors, Actors, Music Directors, Technicians and Exhibitors. Entire film industry is dependent on one another and can not survive without another. 

 Just take a look at the behaviour of some leading stars. Sudip acted free in the recently released film ‘Kempe Gowda’ because Shankare Gowda, the producer had lost much on Sudip’s earlier film. Now that the film became a box office hit, Shankare Gowda is all praise for Sudeep. Why go far? Rajanikant’s multi crore ‘Baba’ was a box office flop and the producers and distributors suffered heavy losses. But Rajanikant called all of them and made up their losses by paying from his pocket. It is said that he paid more than 25 crores in this regard! There are many numbers of such instances. Vishnuvardhan too had helped his producers by acting in their next films if the film bombed in the box office and the producer could not even earn the production cost. 

 A mere financial transaction between Ramya and Ganesh has been blown out of proportion. There was no need for the intervention of KFC or any other Associations in this matter. At the most, any senior person from the Sandalwood could have been asked to solve the problem at individual level. And now, actors like Ramya are targeting the producers and directors openly. They do not care about the films or the producers or directors, but, all they want is money.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter DANGEROUS SECRETS WIKILEAKS CO

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

DANGEROUS SECRETS 

WIKILEAKS COMES TO INDIA 

The Wikileaks has now turned its attention to India. It had earlier ‘leaked’ that many Indian politicians and businessmen have parked thousands of crores in Swiss Banks but did not reveal their names. However, the Supreme Court even before this leak took the Central Government to task for not doing anything to bring back the money stashed in Swiss Banks. 

The Central Government though admitted that it has the knowledge and in some cases, investigations are on, it refused to reveal the names. It also stated that it has entered into agreement with many countries for exchange of details of such culprits and it has to ink such agreements with remaining countries. And before the matter moved further, the Supreme Court directed to take action against Hasan Ali who is said to have evaded Tax up to Rs. 75000 crores. 

As such people expected the Wikileaks to reveal the names of Indians who hold Swiss accounts, but it did not. It proclaimed that 220 Indians have Swiss accounts and therefore it sure must have the names with it but refused to part with it. As on now, Wikileaks say that it will take few months to reveal the names. 

The case of Hasan Ali coming to light is definitely not because of Wikileaks. Hasan Ali was already under investigation by ED for quite sometime but since he enjoyed the patronage of political powers there was a delay in ED proceeding against him all these months. But once the Supreme Court rapped the ED and even set a dead line to act against Hasan Ali, the ED freed from the political pressure swiftly arrested him. ED has also disclosed that it is probing 44 cases of such big fishes but has refused to reveal the names lest the probe may suffer or the persons may slip out of the country. 

Wikileaks has turned its attention to political leadership and the America’s interference in Indian political system. The ‘Cash for vote’ for Nuclear Treaty with USA has come to light through Wikileaks. It may be recalled that the left parties withdrew support to Manmohan Singh Government over the Nuclear Treaty with USA and the Government was reduced minority. The Samajavadi Party came to its rescue and its famous wheeler dealer Amar Singh ‘managed’ the requisite strength to save the Government. A parliamentary committee was set up to probe the ‘cash for vote’ issue and the committee has almost white washed the same. 

The Wikileaks has now brought back the scam to the fore. It has published ‘cables’ from the top US embassy official who ‘informed’ the USA about the heaps of money he was privy to witness, brought by some henchmen of ruling party leaders to pay for the MPs to vote in favour of UPA or abstain. The official had made a statement that Ajit Singh of RLD was given several crores to make his party MPs to vote for the UPA. In fact every body knows that Ajit Singh and his party MPs voted against the UPA. Interestingly, Amar Singh the biggest political broker the country has ever seen had played a crucial role in saving the UPA. In fact, the UPA had entrusted the ‘Operation’ to Amar Singh and he successfully saved the day for UPA. But Wikileaks has no mention of Amar Singh’s role in the entire episode. His role was decisive. 

As usual, the BJP went tongs and hammers at the UPA Government in the parliament. It demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation in the wake of the Wikileaks exposure. The PM Manmohan Singh has questioned the credibility of the Wikileaks but the BJP is demanding nothing short of Manmohan Singh’s scalp. The other day, it had moved a privilege motion against Manmohan Singh for lying to the house. 

When the BJP was going great guns at Manmohan Singh, Wikileaks ‘leaked’ cables which portrayed the senior leaders of BJP for having toed the line of USA. It exposed how the BJP leaders like L.K.Advani indulged in double talk. The cable from the US embassy officials narrated how L.K.Advani assured his support to Nuclear Treaty with the US officials while he opposed the same in the parliament. The BJP leaders are all embarrassed. The Wikileaks continued to ‘leak’ the cables of US embassy officials about BJP leaders. One can expect many more ‘cable leaks’ from Wikileaks in days to come. 

Of course, the cables sent by the US embassy officials are reflective of their assessment of people which need not be the official stand. Just like a person who writes ‘Diary’ documenting his activities of the day and his impressions, the cables reflect the particular official’s assessment about the men and matter which he comes into contact with. Their assessment may or may not be accepted by the US government. It is simply an opinion. The embassy officials of any country do not always send inputs about the developments in that country to their Governments. Many a time, most of the countries post some police intelligence officials to their consulates - embassies on deputation. This is not a new phenomenon. Many a time, the host country asks a diplomat or a high ranking official to leave the country within a day or two if they are caught spying or doing some undesirable acts. 

The Wikileaks has darkened the faces of UPA and BJP - the two major political players in the country. Interestingly, the BJP is treating Wikileaks exposure as Gospel Truth and attacking the Congress led UPA. But if the same is applied to them, it says the exposures are manipulated and that there are no truths in it. 

As on now, the Wikileaks has discredited UPA, the ruling party and BJP, the opposition party in equal measure. There may be some more leaks and the target will be decided by the Wikileaks which has its own agenda. In a way, Wikileaks too has become a tool to the vested interests for serving their purpose. 

More than anything, there is the question of credibility of the Wikileaks itself. But nobody wants to question its credibility. And that is the tragedy.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex 

Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy 

 Strange are the ways the land developers cheat the public exchequer in collusion with the Sub Registrars while registering the sale deeds. We have come across a case where the developer, Engineers Syndicate has cheated the government crores of rupees of stamp duty while registering their commercial apartments in White Field Main Road. The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy had assessed the market value of the apartment only on the undivided share of the land and not the cost of the fully built commercial complexes. Shantha Murthy who was the Sub Registrar in Mahadevapura Sub Registry office has since moved to Banasawadi office.

 The government has fixed guidelines value to assess the market value of the properties for the sale of collection of stamp duty. It had fixed the market value for apartments dispensing with the age old custom of levying market value for the undivided share in the land and cost of the building. Now, the value is fixed on square foot basis on the superbuilt up area. Under this system, there is no valuation separately for undivided share of the land and the super built up area. 

 But the willing Sub Registrars have shown scant respect to this stipulation and colluded with unscrupulous developers to cheat stamp duty to the tune of crores. The Bangalore Metro Reporter has come across a startling case of a leading developer registering more than 50 commercial flats paying stamp duty on the undivided share of the land. 

 The case in the point in Engineers Syndicate which had built a huge commercial complex on a plot of 2 acres 30 guntas land in Hoodi - Whitefield Main Road. It had sold more than 50 big commercial shops ranging from 2000 sqft. to 8000 square feet. As per the market value, these flats cost between 80 lakhs to three crores. 

But the Sub Registrar of Mahadevapura Sub Registry office Shantha Murthy has registering these sale deeds without caring for even the market valuation fixed by the government let alone real market value. Infact, even though the area had come under BBMP in January 2007 itself, the Sub Registrar had applied the valuation applicable to the CMC areas in April 2007. Moreover, the value of the commercial properties will be fixed at 25% more than the market valuation. 

 The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy has also manipulated the registration records in respect of payment of stamp duty and the certificate of payment of stamp duty. The scam had come to the notice of the then Revenue Secretary Narayana Swamy who took his own protection money to allow Shantha Murthy go slot free. The state has cost not less than two crores stamp duty because of the collusion between the developer and the Sub Registrar. Curiously, in some documents, the developer has not shown the sale consideration itself. 

Fearing action, Shantha Murthy took a transfer to Banasawadi office. But still the law of the land had to follow him. Shantha Murthy, a highly powerful and resourceful Sub Registrar had even tried to browbeat the Lokayukta. It is time, the government take a look at this scam.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 Janapriya Hanuma Reddy Complex 

 Crores of Stamp duty cheated by Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy 

 Strange are the ways the land developers cheat the public exchequer in collusion with the Sub Registrars while registering the sale deeds. We have come across a case where the developer, Engineers Syndicate has cheated the government crores of rupees of stamp duty while registering their commercial apartments in White Field Main Road. The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy had assessed the market value of the apartment only on the undivided share of the land and not the cost of the fully built commercial complexes. Shantha Murthy who was the Sub Registrar in Mahadevapura Sub Registry office has since moved to Banasawadi office.

 The government has fixed guidelines value to assess the market value of the properties for the sale of collection of stamp duty. It had fixed the market value for apartments dispensing with the age old custom of levying market value for the undivided share in the land and cost of the building. Now, the value is fixed on square foot basis on the superbuilt up area. Under this system, there is no valuation separately for undivided share of the land and the super built up area. 

 But the willing Sub Registrars have shown scant respect to this stipulation and colluded with unscrupulous developers to cheat stamp duty to the tune of crores. The Bangalore Metro Reporter has come across a startling case of a leading developer registering more than 50 commercial flats paying stamp duty on the undivided share of the land. 

 The case in the point in Engineers Syndicate which had built a huge commercial complex on a plot of 2 acres 30 guntas land in Hoodi - Whitefield Main Road. It had sold more than 50 big commercial shops ranging from 2000 sqft. to 8000 square feet. As per the market value, these flats cost between 80 lakhs to three crores. 

But the Sub Registrar of Mahadevapura Sub Registry office Shantha Murthy has registering these sale deeds without caring for even the market valuation fixed by the government let alone real market value. Infact, even though the area had come under BBMP in January 2007 itself, the Sub Registrar had applied the valuation applicable to the CMC areas in April 2007. Moreover, the value of the commercial properties will be fixed at 25% more than the market valuation. 

 The Sub Registrar Shantha Murthy has also manipulated the registration records in respect of payment of stamp duty and the certificate of payment of stamp duty. The scam had come to the notice of the then Revenue Secretary Narayana Swamy who took his own protection money to allow Shantha Murthy go slot free. The state has cost not less than two crores stamp duty because of the collusion between the developer and the Sub Registrar. Curiously, in some documents, the developer has not shown the sale consideration itself. 

Fearing action, Shantha Murthy took a transfer to Banasawadi office. But still the law of the land had to follow him. Shantha Murthy, a highly powerful and resourceful Sub Registrar had even tried to browbeat the Lokayukta. It is time, the government take a look at this scam.