Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE GAS TROUBLE GOVERNMENT ORDERS HARRASSMENT OF LPG CUSTOMERS

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE GAS TROUBLE 

GOVERNMENT ORDERS HARRASSMENT OF LPG CUSTOMERS 

 The Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje who also holds Food & Civil Supplies portfolio had declared a war on LPG customers. All of a sudden the Government ordered all the LPG customers to submit their APL cards, electricity bills containing the RR Numbers along with ID proof to their respective dealers. This move according to Sobha Karandlaje, will abolish bogus ration cards and misuse of LPG and to add “Climax” to the move, Sobha Karandlaje has made public the threat to her life by the gas mafia. 

 According to the Minister Sobha Karandlaje, there are 1.05 crore families in the state and 1.5 crores ration cards. This implies that there are 45 lakh bogus ration cards which need to be weeded out. On the contrary, there are more than 25 lakh bogus BPL cards in use and the Government has done nothing during the past two and a half years about the same. 

 WHAT IS THE MOVE ALL ABOUT? 

 Those LPG customers are ordered to submit the copies of their APL cards, electricity bills and ID proof to their respective LPG dealers. As per the Minister, these details will be fed into the computer, which will reveal more gas connections in a house for which the electricity bill will be the clincher. 

 Those customers who do not have APL cards have to submit the electricity bill and their ID. And for the tenants who have no separate meters, they too have to submit the electricity bill of their house owner. 

 Once the data base is created, the officials will inspect the premises to find out the bonafides of the customer. If during the spot inspection, they find more than one connection, they will penalize and cancel the extra gas connection. This will reduce number of gas connections and help in Government’s saving as the gas cylinders are subsidized! 

 In recent years the ration card was made compulsory for obtaining a gas connection but its use is also limited to the same extent. The ration card has lost its relevance after the Government stopped giving rations to the card holders and restricted its benefits to the BPL families only. 

 In fact, the old ration cards were replaced with APL cards which serve the purpose for address proof. Later, even this became irrelevant after the Election Commission introduced the photo voters cards. The voter ID cards have now become the most sought after document for address proof. 

 Yet, the APL cards continue to be in demand as the same is required for obtaining gas connections. No dealer could register an application for gas connections without the APL cards and it is in this specific area that APL plays a major role. 

It is another matter that the Food and Civil Supplies officials have established an unholy nexus with gas dealers to provide APL card “sheets” to the people so that they can get gas connections. Once a person gets the gas connection, he does not bother about getting permanent APL card as it becomes useless and besides, obtaining an APL card is a cumbersome task. First, one has to submit an application and seek an appointment for photo session with the all family members, who figure in the card. People will be lucky if they go through the photo session on the appointed day. More often than not, the entire family will be asked to come another day due to manual or technical problems. 

 Moreover, there is the procedure for verification of the address and other details of the application family. Interestingly, even in the APL, the department is following “temporary” rule and no regular APL cards are given. Apart from this, the department has stopped issuing the APL card as the contract to the private company in this regard has expired. Until the new contractor takes over, there is a freeze on the APL process itself. 

 Then what is that to do with the drive by the department to direct the gas customers to submit their electricity bills and ID proof? It is interesting to recall that the Government conducted a house to house survey last year to detect and eliminate double gas connections by the people. Customers were asked to keep only one connection and consequently large numbers of connections were surrendered. 

 If at all the Government was serious about weeding out bogus APL cards, it can easily undertake a special drive by the Food and Civil Supplies. It already has the details of all the APL cards and can get the gas dealers to provide the details of the gas connections obtained through APL. If the department officials double check the details and conduct inspections on the premises of the APL holders, the cat will be out of the bag. 

 Of course, the APL card for gas connections is a recent phenomenon. It is not that the gas agencies have not indulged in having “Extra” connections by procuring the APL cards from the department officially in benami names. But a thorough check of the APL cards and the gas connections obtained through APL can definitely produce the necessary results. There is no need for the department to create a scare among the customers. 

 If at all if the department wants to weed out the “surplus connections, it has to start from the gas agencies and department officials who have issued APL. In one go, the menace will be over but it will severely harm the interests of gas agencies and the officials of the department. And this will not be preferred by the Government. 

 Therefore, instead of striking at the root of the problem, the Government has preferred harassing the LPG customers.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE PROTECTOR FEARS FOR LIFE CM’s BLACK MAGIC DRAMA FOR SYMPATHY

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE PROTECTOR FEARS FOR LIFE 

CM’s BLACK MAGIC DRAMA FOR SYMPATHY 

 Who can protect the lives of crores of citizens when the king himself talks of serious threat to his life? The king in question is none other than our great Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa who enjoys “Z Plus” security provided to only about 100 leaders in the entire country. In fact, Yedurappa had made this starling disclosure during his visit to suttur mutt. The statement of Yedurappa to the effect that he fears for his life through witchcraft by opposition leader Siddaramaiah should be taken with a pinch of salt. He had also stated that there are attempts to liquidate him physically as the black magic has not yielded result! 

 This statement had definitely shocked and surprised the people, political parties and leaders. Nobody in his senses would agree with Yedurappa’s perception of threat to his life. How could one agree that black magic will finish him off?

 It is visible that Yedurappa has become deeply religious particularly after he became the CM. Initially, he along with Shobha Kardlanje went round the temples in Tamil Nadu and Kerala famous for rituals and black magic. Consequently, these temples have become famous now. 

 Of course, Yedurappa has created a world record in visiting powerful temples and places. The other day, when there were all chances of the Governor giving sanction for his prosecution, he air dashed to Kalahasti to perform special rituals to ward off the Rahu Dosha. In a way, the state has spent crores catering to Yedurappa’s religious tour apart from his generous donations but the same was borne from the tax payer’s money. 

 Yedurappa and Sobha have themselves conducted many homas to finish off their enemies. The Shatru Samhara Homas held in Kerala Temple whenever they were facing difficult political situations is famous for them. Now, emulating the example, scores of people from the state are paying visits to this temple. And what more, pleased with the “result” Shobha Karandlaje has built a huge dining hall and dedicated it to the temple on behalf of Yedurappa. There are many more colourful stories of such rituals by Yedurappa and Shobha Karandlaje. 

 Forget that. Yedurappa’s black magic fad had reached a ridiculous level during the confidence vote in October last. Acting on the advice of astrologers, Yedurappa closed the three main entrances to the Vidhana Soudha and the rest is history. The black magic performed in the vicinity of the Vidhana Soudha too has raised eyebrows. Suffice it to say that he relies more on rituals and black magic to survive in power than his party and the people. 

 If black magic can procure power despite heavy odds, then there is no need for elections spending crores and crores. One can indulge in black magic against their opponents and the effects of the black magic will ensure the person to power. Once in power he can continue to use black magic to stay in power. 

 Now, in a Democracy, one needs majority in the Assembly elections to come to power and form the Government. In that case, the leader of the party wanting power need not toil hard to get majority to his party. He could simply engage around 250 witch crafters to perform black magic in all the constituencies against the other political parties including candidates. If this is not possible as other parties may also engage them, he can select for a very powerful Black magic practitioner for wholesale black magic. At the maximum one can spend about 25 to 30 crores to come to power and also prevent the role of big money in the elections. 

 Interestingly then, there will be no need for the people. The people can be prevented from participating in the elections or one can do the black magic so that all the votes casted will turn into his and his party’s favour. Once in power, he can rule and ruin the state as per his whims and fancies. To be on safer side he can also induct a couple of black magicians in the cabinet- one exclusively to protect him and another for doing black magic against his detractors both in his party and the opposition! 

 Yedurappa would have done this had there been such provisions in the constitution and people being superstitious. The constitution wants secular state with scientific temperament. But still people by and large have remained superstitious and a large section believes in black magic. Many a times, politicians have taken undue advantage of this belief. 

 However, Yedurappa’s black magic episode has made him a laughing stock. He, as an ordinary human being has every right to his own faiths and beliefs whether in god or demon. But as the Chief Minister presiding over the destiny of six crore people of the state, he has his limitations in personal life and beliefs. He is duty bound to protect the lives and properties of the people. He has supreme powers to discharge his duties to the state and its people. 

 When Yedurappa publicly states that he is fearing for his life because of black magic against him by his opponents naming Siddaramaiah as a suspect and further declaring that he may even be physically liquidated, to say the least, is taking the political situation to a new rotten low level. When Yedurappa, as the King fears for his life, what about the protection he is duty bound, to protect the lives of six crore people? He might have made these remarks to gain public sympathy, but his attempts have backfired! He is seen as a most vulnerable Chief Minister afraid of his life. 

It can be compared that Smt. Indira Gandhi who, on the previous day of her assassination, had thundered in a public meeting in Orissa that “her every drop of blood will go in service of the nation.” Contrary to that, while Yedurappa says he is here to serve the people and state, he admits he fears for his life. 

And that says all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE POLITICAL ROBBERY INSIGHT INTO THE ZAMEER AHMED ROBBERY CASE

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

THE POLITICAL ROBBERY 

INSIGHT INTO THE ZAMEER AHMED ROBBERY CASE 

 Zameer Ahmed, the Chamarajpet MLA has been named an accused by the Kengeri police in a dacoit case. Given the political powers involved, it was though not unexpected. Ever since JDS MLA from Channapatna, M.C Ashwath was made to defect to BJP during the second confidence vote and crores of money he was given for his political prostitution, everybody knew that once a part of the money was robbed, Zameer would be the target. 

 This incident goes a long way to prove the level to which politicians stoop to take revenge on their adversaries. The so called robbery of 2.5 Crores (which police has put it at 50 lakhs) belonging to JDS MLA from Channapatna, M.C Ashwath, shows the rotten level of politics. 

 It all began when the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa, fighting with his back to wall for survival in power, undertook another Operation Kamala on the eve of the second vote of confidence, to reduce the strength of the opposition. He procured the JDS MLA from Channapatna M.C Ashwath and Congress MLA Narayanaswamy and made them to abstain from voting. He also made another attempt to get Congress MLA Malakaiah Guttedar to follow the suit. 

 Everybody knows that the price of a MLA sky rocketed to almost 50 crores after the last minute switching of loyalty by independent MLA Varthur Prakash from JDS to BJP. 

 Then it was the rebellion of 20 MLA’s against Yedurappa that shook Yedurappa’s chair. The JDS Boss H.D Kumaraswamy provided protection to these rebels at the Goa resort and it was Zameer Ahmed who played a decisive role there. He brought all the MLA’s back to Bangalore amidst the over bearing presence of Reddy Brothers, other senior Ministers and leaders. Yedurappa could manage to snatch away only three MLAs and later Varthur Prakash who led the rebels from the front became a turncoat. The rest is history. Yedurappa and his confidents were seething with anger at the ‘operation’ of Zameer Ahmed. 

 Ashwath here had vanished into thin air holing up at a secured place. The people of Channapatna were upset over his defection and created an atmosphere so much so that he would not have dreamt of setting foot in the town, at least for some time. However, the reward for his defection was so high that it had to be transported to him at various places in splits. 

 Zameer Ahmed has a wide network of contacts and came to know that a part of the money was to be transferred from Channapatna. Zameer in his zeal to expose the role of the ‘big money’ in Yedurappa’s political manipulation, planned to seize the money under transportation along with media to expose the dirty tricks of Yedurappa. But his play was grounded when his confidents led by Diwan Ali, a BBMP Corporator tried to play smart and pocketed the money themselves. Ashwath was heart broken at the incident lodged a complaint with the Kengeri Police through Ziaulla. Of course, the entire Government machinery was at his back and call. 

 When Zameer learnt about the double crossing and the police complaint, he immediately swung into action and forced the gang to return the money to Ziaulla Khan and through him to Ashwath. Due to the double crossing, Zameer’s plan of creating a media sensation became an utter flop. 

 The police complaint was sufficient for Yedurappa to settle scores with Zameer for all the loss he inflicted at the Goa resort political drama. Though the complainant after getting back the money tried to withdraw the complaint, the police did not allow him to. It is said that the complainant had given an affidavit to this effect. 

 Few days back, Diwan Ali the BBMP Corporator who was given the task of seizing the money and the vehicle and wait till the media men arrived, was murdered in broad day light. Only after his murder, things began to act swiftly. The police were very fast in filing the charge sheet within three months. And they named Zameer as accused number thirteen! 

 The naming of Zameer did not stir a political storm as it was long expected given the political nature and the powers behind it. Except BJP leader Dhananjaya Kumar who is working 24x7 to defend Yedurappa and his political games, nobody else demanded the resignation of Zameer. If this yardstick is applied, the first to resign as MLA shall be former Ministers Katta Subramanya Naidu and Krishnaiah Shetty. 

 Forget all this. The police have shown the amount of loot at 50 lakhs! People in known of things know well that the amount was 2.50 crores. Then why did the police reduce the amount? Is it an effort to match the amount to suit Ashwath’s accounts? Interestingly, the police have given a story of Ashwath’s transporting money was for the purchase of rice. Had the police investigated the so called rice business of Ashwath and Ziaulla, the cat would have come out. 

 More than anything, the source of this huge money, even if it is 50 lakhs, has not been gone into detail by the police. How does Ziaulla possess such huge money and how can Ashwath send hard cash to him? In case the money really belonged to Ashwath, he should have accounts to back the claim. The police should have probed into all these factors. 

 It is another matter that the Income Tax authorities will definitely take a look at the source of money as 50 lakhs cash which was allegedly ‘robbed’ is not a small amount. Ashwath and Ziaulla have much to explain to the authorities. It will take some time for the income tax authorities to take action.

 It is also possible that Zameer whose name was not mentioned in the FIR was “fixed” by the police only as an after thought and that too at the eleventh hour. For ordinary people this is nothing but a false case to tarnish his image. It should be noted that Zameer is a very rich man and spends lakhs every month towards many social activities and functions. He has donated lakhs of rupees to many temples, holds mass marriages spending millions. Amount of Rs. 50 lakhs is peanuts to him and nobody in his senses would even imagine his involvement in a dacoity. 

 It is said that Zameer had explained the entire episode to the police including the ‘payment’ made to Ashwath and the subsequent cover up of the incidence. But the remote powers controlling the police have not allowed the natural justice done to him. 

 The money earned through political prostitution does no good either to the payer or the recipient. Nobody would have sympathized with Ashwath even if every penny of it was looted either by dacoits or people. And to ‘fix’ a political opponent to settle scores with him, is not decent politics. One should not wonder if the police files additional charge sheet against HD Kumaraswamy also, because Zameer is his right hand man and a trusted friend.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter POLITICS OF MINORITIES CONTROL TAKES A NEW TURN AMANATH SCAM HITS BACK, CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST REHMAN KHAN

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

POLITICS OF MINORITIES CONTROL TAKES A NEW TURN 

AMANATH SCAM HITS BACK, CRIMINAL CASE AGAINST REHMAN KHAN 

 The Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha K.Rahman Khan has been slapped with a criminal complaint by the State for misappropriation of crores of rupees in Amanath Co-op Bank for which he is the founder. The Co-op Minister Laxman Savadi had tried to take a political advantage by holding a press conference to announce the criminal case against Rahman Khan. For those who knew the scams in Amanath Co-op Bank, this is not news at all. More than anything, the timing of the criminal complaint assumes significance. 

The scams took place more than a decade back and trial is going on against few top officials of the bank. At this point, one can only say that this is yet another case of targeting the minorities. The scam is dated a decade back. The Amanath Co-operative Bank had issued a newspaper advertisement denying any hanky-panky. 

But, within days, the skeletons in the cupboards of the bank started tumbling out one by one. The then Government ordered enquiries including COD and the MD of the bank simply absconded. The crores misused and misappropriated by few top officials with the active support of Rahman Khan and other directors sent shock waves among the Muslim community. Rahman Khan stood completely exposed. 

 It was the feud between Mumtaz Ahmed Khan of Al-Ameen fame and Rahman Khan, which saw the scams seeing the light of the day. Later, efforts of patch up between them were undertaken and finally, both issued a statement for working towards the benefit of the Amanath Co-operative Bank. It is another matter that the Bank had served as a sort of Swiss Bank to many big wigs. The Muslim politics too took its toll on the affairs of the Bank as the detractors of Rahman Khan campaigned against him. Ziaulla Sheriff who heads a multi crore real estate company was also made the Chairman to tide over the financial crisis, but that too, did not yield any positive results. The MD of the Bank, who fudged the accounts and raised benami loans to the tune of crores, was hounded like a fugitive and was finally caught by the COD. 

 Rahman Khan and others repaid a major share of the huge loans taken from the Bank, through questionable means. The Government superseded the Board and appointed an administrator and here too, politics took preference over the health of the Bank. The Co-operation department held enquiries and also held officials responsible for the scams, but, it white washed the sins of the Board of Directors. As on now, the Amanath Co-operative Bank is slowly but steadily getting back on rails. 

 Of course, considering the big names involved, the Government officials went slow on enquiry. In fact, the Co-operative Act provides for quick recovery of loans by attaching the properties of the borrowers. But the main problem in here was the unsecured loans amounting to more than 80 crores which were even raised in the name of Bank employees also without their knowledge. As far as loans to big names including Rahman Khan are concerned, the same can be easily recovered through attachment of their properties. 

But, it is a mystery as to what prevented the Bank or the Co-op department to initiate strict recovery proceedings in the Bank. There is a department auditor, in this a high ranking auditor from the Department of Co-op audits, who has to audit the financial transactions of the Banks on day to day basis. Apart from this, the Co-op audit department also conducts regular audit and classify the Bank. The Urban Bank Cell in the Reserve Bank of India also conducts inspection and some times imposes penalty on the Bank over cases of omissions and commissions. Despite these checks and counter checks, the Bank went on committing frauds after frauds and one feels shocked at the inaction, if not, involvement of Co-op department, Co-op audit and RBI officials. 

 Coming back to the case filed against Rahman Khan and others, on the face of it, the move seems to be a deliberate attempt to finish him off politically. Rightly or wrongly Rahman Khan has become the Muslim face in the State after C.K Jaffer Sheriff faded away. Others, who tried to become the leaders of Muslims in the state, lost the face due to their own scams and scandals and as of now, Rahman Khan remains the tall leader of Muslims because of his high position. 

 There is no valid reason for the Government for not taking any action on the scams of the Bank for the last three years. In fact, the BJP tried to project the Wakf Minister Mumtaz Ali Khan as a leader of Muslims but the move was an utter failure. Even Muslim leaders of other parties have been victimized and Rahman Khan is the latest in series. The BJP wants Rahman Khan to resign his Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman post in view of the criminal case against him. 

 Otherwise, there is no reason whatsoever to sit idle over the issue for the last three years and suddenly filing criminal cases against Rahman Khan and others.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter FRANKING OF STAMPS- ANOTHER SCAM IN THE MAKING FRANKING- LAYS GOLDEN EGGS FOR REVENUE DEPARTMENT

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 FRANKING OF STAMPS- ANOTHER SCAM IN THE MAKING 

 FRANKING- LAYS GOLDEN EGGS FOR REVENUE DEPARTMENT 

 The Banks which were undertaking the Stamp Paper business were instructed to stop the same from 01st November 2009. A company by name Stock Holding Corporation of India Ltd was given the contract for e-stamping which arguably is the best fool proof method. Yet, two years down the lane and SHCIL is not been able to cover the entire state and functioning only in eight Sub Registrar offices in city, where it need not have to pay rent. The people are queuing up before e-stamping centre in large numbers to purchase stamp papers of smaller denominations. The SCHIL, in spite of knowing that there is bound to be heavy rush for e-stamping purpose, has failed to cater to the demand. 

 Then, the department, in a sudden and swift move, brought in another private company Pitney Bowse in the picture. Without following any prescribed rules and acts, the top brass, in a mortal hurry inked a MoU with the company for 25 Franking machines for 25 SR offices! Before the ink dried on the official Memorandum issued by the then IGR K.R.Niranjan, the franking machines were installed in the SROs. These Franking machines costing around a lakh were not purchased by the department. Rather they were taken on through ‘Special Lease’. The responsibility of the company is limited to supply of the machine, the ink cartridge and repairs and the SR’s have to look after the operations and security of these machines. And the catch was that the SRs have to collect a service charge of Rs.5 per franking from the public on behalf of the company, separately. What more the SRs have to remit the service charges to the Bank account of the company!

 What does this mean? For franking of stamps from Rs.20 to Rs.500, the public have to pay Rs.5 extra per franking as service charge to the company. This seems extraordinary as the SRs do not charge any extra for franking up to Rs.999. In fact, the Franking machines stamp up to Rs.999, but in the present Pitney Bouse machines, there is provision for franking up to Rs.500 only and Rs.5 has to be paid to the company for every franking done whether it is for Rs.5 or 500! 

 It is to be recalled that the department has supplied franking machines to the SR offices long back, to stamp the papers. Even today, most of these machines of Kilburn Company are in working conditions. In case of these machines, the public have to make an application to the SR for franking the amount they needed. The SR will receive the money and issue receipt and the paper gets franked with the signature and seal of the Sub Registrar. However, while Stamp Papers were in use, the use of Franking was very minimal. 

 But, after the abolition of stamp papers from 1.4.2003, people queued up before the SROs for franking. It was the only commonly adopted option and the option of payment of stamp duty through certification from the SRs was rarely used. The long queues for miles and heavy work for franking made the situation difficult. As usual, there was black marketing of franked sheets. The SR offices worked day and night to frank as much papers as possible and consequently there were machine break downs and were sent for repairs. The SRs heaved a sigh of relief as they were free to look after their normal work. 

 However, while the Banks were asked to stop their Stamp Paper business from 01st November 2009, shockingly, the top brass concerned kept mum. They should have anticipated the situation aftermath the cancellation of stamp paper business and purchased more franking machines and supplied to all the SR offices in the state in October itself. They could have mounted pressure on the SHCIL Company to start its e-stamping centers all over the state. They could have advised people to pay the stamp duty at the SROs and get certification, which is the easiest way to pay stamp duty. The IGR could have issued ads in the newspapers informing public that they can pay the stamp duty through franking or certification or e-stamping. The IGR could have also directed the SRs to open a separate counter for certification of stamps and also to get the franking machines in working conditions. This would have gone a long way in mitigating the problems of people for payment of stamp duty. But, in stead of undertaking these measures, the top brass sat tight as if it is not their concern. 

 And suddenly on 2.11.2009, the then Revenue Secretary Parshwanath took a decision to supply 25 Franking machines to 25 SR offices - 16 in Bangalore and the remaining to SROs in nine other districts. This does not mean that they had purchased the Franking machines from its manufacturers Pitney Bowse Company. 

 It is here the entire scam unfolds. It is a known fact that Kilburn Company had supplied Franking machines to the department since ages and already about 100 machines are presently working in the various SROs and companies. Nobody would have taken exception to the purchase of additional franking machines from this company which is serving the department for many decades. Yet, the then Revenue Secretary took a decision that surprises all. He undertook a contract with Pitney Bouse Company to install Franking Machines in SR offices and shockingly, these machines were leased rather than purchased. This approval was done on 02nd November and sent to IGR who on 06th November 2009 issued an official memorandum to all the SR’s and DR offices detailing about the arrangements made with Pitney Bouse Company and its operational aspect. 

 As per the Official Memorandum, the Franking Machines were simply ‘leased’ and the SRs are required to look after the operation and security of the machines. Franking will be up to Rs.500 only and for every Franking the SRs have to collect a service charge of Rs.5 per franking separately. The company issues the receipt for the service charge which shall be remitted into the account of the company by the SR. The company will supply ink cartridge and look after the repairs of the machines. 

 All this simply means that the Pitney Bouse Company has given franchisee to the SROs and the SRs who use the franking machines and are required to collect and remit the service charges in to the company’s account, the very next day. Why should the SRs work as collection agents to the company? The SR’s have to collect the charges or duties on behalf of the Government or its statutory bodies. And here again, they shall collect it in the Government’s name and it will be later released to the concerned department. The SRs are not supposed to collect any charges on behalf of any private company. 

 Of course, there is a big Kickback ‘issue in the entire episode. The Rs. 5/- per franking commission, is simply too high and at the maximum, one rupee per franking seems to be the fair rate.

 In fact, why levy service charge on the people in first place? The department could have directly purchased the machines by spending ground 50 lakhs initially for use on 50 SR offices. There is a provision permitting the department to go for emergency purchases. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Government could have permitted the purchase of at least 100 franking machines which was timely sufficient. Already more than 150 SR offices in the state have been provided with franking machines since ages. 

 Let us come to the savings on service charge if the department purchases the machines. As on now, there is a demand of more than a crore franking sheets of smaller denominations. And the service charge for this quantum of franking will be 5 crores. If the Government purchases even 250 machines for all the SROs in the state, the cost will be 2.50 crores and it can save the payment of service charge of 5 crores to the company. If the Government levies one rupee as application charge, the entire investment can be recovered in a matter of two years. If the franking machines are installed in all the SR offices, one can not come across any shortage of stamped papers. 

 No doubt, the Franking machine scam definitely beats all known levels of logic. The excuse given for this strange arrangement was the sudden stoppage of stamp paper business from the Banks. It is no secret that the department had asked the Banks to stop the business even in 2008 on the pretext of introducing the e-stamping. So, the top brass knew well that it was only a matter of time that the Stamp papers issued by Banks would be stopped. 

 Of course, one feels that the top brass were making secret deals with company for franking machines. There is no other reason why the franking machines made their sudden appearances even before the IGR’s order reached the office! 

 What more, the department has spent lakhs of rupees for inserting big ads in front pages of the most of the news papers instructing public to pay Rs. 5/- as service charge to the company. A mere issue of press note would have solved the purpose. 

 The scam needs to be thoroughly investigated either by the COD or the Lokayukta. The officials responsible for fleeing the public for their selfish motives should be taught a befitting lesson.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE DUAL IDENTITY KPSC ASSISTANT SECRETARY: I AM HERE, I AM THERE One official-Two names…

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

THE DUAL IDENTITY 

KPSC ASSISTANT SECRETARY: I AM HERE, I AM THERE 

One official-Two names… 

 Ever heard of a Government official holding two posts using two names in official correspondences? Shocking it is but true that an official named M.N Gururaja Rao, presently the Assistant Secretary of KPSC exists as a dual entity. 

 TWO JOBS 

 M.N.Gururaj Rao is an Assistant Secretary of KPSC and also functions as the Secretary of the Lokseva Housing Co-op Society formed by the employees of KPSC. For outsiders, both names and persons seem different, but is actually a same person functioning with double role since decades. And shockingly, no one has the guts to initiate action against him. 

 M.N Gururaj Rao, joined the KPSC as a junior Assistant. Except a gap of few months, he remained as a permanent fixture in establishment section. Over the years, he got promotions as assistant, senior assistant, section officer and presently the Assistant Secretary, all in establishment section and he has also been designated as the public information officer of KPSC. Gururaj is a well known name among the bureaucrats. He is personally known to most of the IAS, IPS, KAS and other officials in the state and as far as KPSC Members and the Chairmen are concerned, Gururaj is their ‘Advisor’ since many years. 

 NO RENT 

 This is not the story here. M.N.Gururaj Rao functions as the assistant secretary in KPSC and officially becomes M.N. Gururaj to function as the Secretary of Lokseva Housing Co-operative Society. This society is also located in the premises of KPSC and Gururaj need not have to take any permission to house his society in KPSC and uses it free of cost, as he is running the show in KPSC ever since he joined the organization. 

 EXISTING FOR PERSONAL GAINS 

 But the activities of the society formed solely for the purpose of providing sites to the employees of KPSC to say the least, has become a very big real estate agency. Gururaj purchases lands, gets Government clearances, forms layouts and sells sites to any Tom-Dick and Harry provided they pay the market price. In fact, the KPSC does not have more than 300 employees including officials. But the society has made hundreds of sites in many layouts. Gururaj takes enough care to ‘gift’ big sites to successive Chairmen, Members etc. Presently; outsiders, general public etc. can purchase the sites from this society. Almost the entire KPSC employees who needed sites have been allotted the same long back and as such, legally, the society has to be wound up as it has outlived its utility and served its purpose. There is no reason or logic to continue the society any more. 

 But Gururaj is not prepared to wind it up as it has become the hen that lays golden eggs everyday. He is using the society as a real estate agent to acquire lands and sell sites to the public. As is natural, he has acquired lot of clout in the corridors of power and that explains the inaction by the various departments to take action against the illegalities and scams committed by Gururaj in the society. The Co-operative department is protecting the society as if it is its own. No official in the Co-op. department is prepared to even take a look at the serious violations of acts and rules. 

 TWO NAMES, TWO SIGNATURES 

 Interestingly, Gururaj is not using his official name in the society for fear of loosing his job of KPSC. He operates by another name and this is known to everybody in the Government and also in the KPSC. In all the correspondences of the society, he uses M.N Gururaj and in KPSC he uses the name of MN Gururaj Rao and smart as he is, he uses different signatures for different posts. Despite knowing this ‘Double’ role of Gururaj, the KPSC has not taken any action against Gururaj till date. 

 Obviously, a Government official holding and working for two different posts again by manipulation of name is a serious offence under the KCS. The case of M.N.Gururaj is a challenge to the law of the land. It is time; the KPSC takes some action against him in this regard.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GOVERNOR V/S GOVERNMENT - BJP FIGHTS TO SAVE CORRUPTION

BY.FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

 GOVERNOR V/S GOVERNMENT 

 BJP FIGHTS TO SAVE CORRUPTION 

 The BJP Government headed by B.S Yeddyurappa furiously protested the Governor’s sanction to prosecute Yedurappa under prevention of corruption act, by holding the Karnataka bundh. There was however no need for BJP’s panic reaction as Yedurappa and his BJP had already declared that there will be no resignation and that they will fight the case. By holding Karnataka bundh at a very short notice, the Government inflicted untold miseries to the people. By rushing to hold the people for ransom for the corrupt practices of its Chief Minister, the BJP is now fighting for corruption rather than being against it. 

 AS EXPECTED 

 Nobody expected the Governor to reject the petitions of two advocates for prosecution of Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa under prevention of corruption act. As the petition was supported by irrefutable official documents, the Governor was bound to sanction the prosecution. The BJP leaders knew this well and therefore Yedurappa had air dashed to New Delhi to seek the help of the national BJP leaders. Arun Jaitley and a prominent advocate Ram Jethmalani were already consulted about the course of action in the event of the Governor according the sanction. 

 TACKLING THE GOVERNOR 

 It is another matter that attempts were made to force the Governor to defer the decision so that the BJP High command can force the Central Government to recall the Governor. The ‘Clever Heads’ of BJP had devised a novel plan to scuttle Governor’s move. First, Yedurappa held an emergency meeting of his cabinet and passed a resolution asking the Governor not to accord sanction for prosecution and the same was faxed to the Governor instead of personally handed over by a senior Minister. The BJP then started publicity blitz to paint the Governor as a great villain. At the same time, the BJP also chalked out a series of protests to demand the Governor to refuse sanction. The BJP president K.S Eshwarappa had then itself threatened to observe Karnata Bundh. The Governor was called names by the BJP leaders and even Ministers asked the Governor to behave properly. 

 The Governor had set January 20th as the deadline for the Government to hand over the original files to come to a decision. Even before the Governor could say anything, the BJP leaders were at his throat to force him or even blackmail him to refuse sanction for prosecution. 

 DEVIL QUOTING THE SCRIPTURES! 

 Now that the Governor has sanctioned the prosecution, the BJP leaders are acting as if the sky had fallen on them. Yedurappa is accusing the Governor of all things describing the same as an attack on democracy! This is just like the devil quoting the scriptures! How can a mere sanction of prosecution finish off the BJP Government? It is to be recalled that Yedurappa is surviving in the CM chair through manipulations, money and muscle power. 

The Operation Kamala was a blot on democracy. The operation disqualification of 16 MLAs just before a vote of confidence was a mockery of democracy and abuse of constitutional position of the speaker. And now when the Supreme Court and High Court are about to deliver the Judgements in the disqualification cases, Yedurappa has already had a trick on his sleeve and has decided to ‘suspend’ 15 Congress and JDS MLAs from the Assembly to save his gaddi. In the event of disqualified MLAs getting favourable orders from the courts, Yedurappa will lose the CM post as the number against him will swell to 114 against 106 in his favour. To neutralize this threat, he will suspend 15 MLAs of the opposition on the basis of one sided report of a legislative committee consisting of only BJP MLAs. Thus, Yedurappa’s number of 106 will definitely remain higher than the opposition strength of 98, after the suspension! And shamelessly, Yedurappa accuses the Governor of murdering democracy! 

 However, the main point is that there are serious allegations of misuse and abuse of power and position by Yedurappa to help his family members. There are charges of firms operated by his kith and kin to collect the corruption tainted money. While the Lokayukta was approached with a complaint on these scams and before the Lokayukta initiates actions, Yedurappa preempted the move by ordering a judicial probe and entrusted the Lokayukta complaint also to the commission, which will take years to submit the report. The commission was constituted by Yedurappa just to buy time and the High Court has also ordered a stay on the commission. The sanction by the Governor to prosecute Yedurappa is not the end of the road. Yedurappa will have to face the trial and if proved guilty, will have to go to jail and that will take years. But the panicky reaction by the BJP stems out from ‘moral’ angle. 

 MORAL HITCH! 

 Morally it is not proper for a CM to continue in the post while facing trial in a criminal court. Why go far? The same Yedurappa procured the resignation of Minister Katta Subramanium Naidu, hours after he was named in an FIR by the Lokayukta Police. The same hard stick applies to him also. But BSY cares two hoots for ‘morality’ in public life. His main motto is to continue as CM come what may. The national leaders of BJP are rallying behind him and had declared that he will not step down and that they will approach the High Court against the Governor’s decision. And BJP state president K.S Eshwarappa had ordered the Karnataka Bundh to protest against the sanction. 

 What does all this mean? If the BJP or Yedurappa fought against Central Government’ policies, price rise etc. there would be some justification. But what they are fighting is for the sake of corruption and for immunity against their corrupt practices. If Yedurappa is innocent, he can prove it and will be acquitted, what is so disturbing about just being allowed to be prosecuted? 

 They say’ BJP is a party with a difference’? Definitely, it is a party with a difference as it is publicly fighting for corruption and not against it! And that explains every thing!.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter OFFENCE IS THE BEST DEFENCE YEDURAPPA INDULGES IN COUNTER OFFENCE AGAINST ALL WHISTLE BLOWERS

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

OFFENCE IS THE BEST DEFENCE 

YEDURAPPA INDULGES IN COUNTER OFFENCE AGAINST ALL WHISTLE BLOWERS 

 Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa and some BJP leaders are under the impression that they can survive in power by blackmailing the opposition by raising the scams in regimes. They are following the dictum ‘offence is the best defense’. They see motives in everything that is said against them. They have taken that offence strategy to ridiculous level and are blaming the opposition even for some dissent in the BJP. 

 If one were to closely watch the political chat shows- discussion on various news channels, one can witness the BJP spokespersons getting aggressive and blaming the opposition for anything that had gone wrong under Yedurappa. They make sound bytes of opposition leaders having no right to question their acts. And they do not forget to mention that the people have given their mandate to them to rule the state for five years. These leaders start giving sermons to opposition leaders about how to behave! 

Well, everybody knows that the corruption level under Yedurappa has reached rotten level with scams after scams getting exposed at regular intervals. The opposition, Congress and JDS, naturally demand action and resignation of Yedurappa in some scams and it is their right and duty. The opposition can not be expected to keep mum and function as a loyal ‘B’ team of the ruling party. 

PERSONAL ROUTE 

In fact, Yedurappa and his BJP Government have taken the politics of confrontation to personal level. Yedurappa had led the way from the front. When JD(S) Boss H D Deve Gowda and H D Kumarswamy levelled serious charges against Yedurappa, he had indulged in counter offence by charging the Father and Son of vitiating the political situation. He had vowed that he will root out JD(S) and the Father-Son from the state politics! 

PRECEDENT EXCUSE 

Instead of defending or taking action on the scams exposed, Yedurappa started talking of the similar scams in earlier regimes starting from 1995 when H D Deve Gowda was the chief minister. He even went to the extent of challenging on the scams for the last so many years in the Assembly in the presence of religious leaders and prominent people! There was although no meaning in this sort of discussions when the Assembly itself is the proper forum. But Yedurappa cleverly managed to get the Assembly sessions adjourned on flimsy grounds, so that his scams do not come under the scanner. The Government also provoked the opposition to stage protests or walk outs so that they can avoid any discussions on the scams. And again they blame the opposition for abrupt end to the sessions. 

 SILENCING THE OPPOSITION 

It is another matter that Yedurappa and his BJP Government had shown utter contempt towards constitutional bodies in the state. The Backward class Commission was prevented from working properly as the chairman was not pro-BJP. He was removed and the High Court quashed the removal. Similarly, the state Human Rights Commission is also being sidelined. Even to this day, the Government had not provided the SHRC with enough staff and infrastructure. In the case of Lokayukta, the treatment meted out to it by Yedurappa is well known. Disgusted with the attitude of his in punishing the honest, Lokayukta Santosh Hegde even resigned from the post. 

The rest is history. The BJP High Command made all out efforts to make Justice Santosh Hegde withdraw the resignation and now, Santosh Hegde is even repenting his decision of withdrawing the resignation. 

It is another matter that Yedurappa does not stand the sight of Lokayukta who had sent shivers among many ministers including Yedurappa. Katta Subramanya Naidu, a Minister was forced to resign when Lokayukta filed a case against him in the KIADB scam. The opposition particularly the JDS realising that Yedurappa was determined to stonewall any discussions on his multifaceted and multi dimensional scams, filed a detailed complaint against him with the Lokayukta. Yedurappa realized that he will be in soup if the Lokayukta conducts the probe and immediately set up a judicial Commission headed by a retired judge of the High Court to probe the cases which were before the Lokayukta. The Lokayukta was asked to hand over the files! To arm twist the opposition, Yedurappa directed the Judicial Commission to probe denotification cases from 1995 with an aim to damn the successive CMs since then. The commission will have to probe the denotifications done during the regime of H D Deve Gowda, SM Krishna, Dharam Singh and HD Kumarswamy. However, the HC issued a stay on the commission. 

TARGETING THE GOVERNOR 

The Governor HR Bharadwaj is been regularly targeted by Yedurappa and his BJP Government, the most. The Governor who is a constitutional expert and a former Central Law Minister is an outspoken person. He had advised and warned Yedurappa many times over the scams and the loot of natural resources (mining). But Yedurappa and his BJP government have not taken kindly to the Governor’s actions. 

Moreover, the opposition have met the Governor several times complaining of Yedurappa’s scams and pleading for action. Yedurappa took strong exception to these meetings and accused the Governor of being a Congress agent. In fact, the state BJP President KS Eswarappa had asked the Governor to resign and work in the KPCC office! 

It therefore becomes clear that Yedurappa and BJP are playing a well planned game. Continue to exploit the people and stash bundles of money in the process. And whosoever raises his voice against us attack him and accuse him of corruption, malpractices, favouritism etc. But, they do not know that while the innocent public are famous for silence, they definitely are not fools in understanding the actions of their leaders!.......

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter KHATAS FROM THE BACK DOOR, HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN BBMP, AKRAMA-SAKRAMA ILLEGALLY IMPLEMENTED IN BBMP OFFICIALS RAKE IN MOOLAH WHILE BBMP SUFFERS LOSSES

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

KHATAS FROM THE BACK DOOR 

HOW TO MAKE MONEY IN BBMP 

AKRAMA-SAKRAMA ILLEGALLY IMPLEMENTED IN BBMP OFFICIALS RAKE IN MOOLAH WHILE BBMP SUFFERS LOSSES 

 Legally and technically the Akrama-Sakrama Scheme is yet to become the law and lakhs of people are already waiting for its implementation. However, many do not know that Akrama-Sakrama is already being implemented in many BBMP zones on producing bribe Money. If one is prepared to pay the ‘demand’ of BBMP officials, one can get their illegal unauthorized properties regularized by getting the BBMP khata. The cash strapped BBMP has already suffered loss of revenue to the tune of hundreds crores of rupees by this illegal Akrama-Sakrama scheme being introduced, on the sly, by few BBMP officials. 

 EXAMPLE 1 

 Take a look at the affidavit by one Sivani, co-owner of Global Associates, which owned 22 acres of land in Kothanur and Raghuvanahalli villages. The affidavit clearly states that this is in regard to registration of Khata for the above lands. The content of the Affidavit is very clear. As the BBMP is not accepting betterment charges, the company undertakes to pay the same, if BBMP levies the charges. And the reason for the affidavit is also clear. It concerns the registration of Khata in respect of the lands in Raghuvanahalli and Kothanur to an extent of 22 acres 3 guntas! 

 On the face of it, the company can not get the khata registered from BBMP as on now. It can register the khata only under Akrama-Sakrama scheme which is yet to be implemented. But there is also a provision to pay the betterment charges to the BBMP at the rate of Rs. 600 per sq mtr, if the entire land is one complex unit and converted. In the present case, even if the company is permitted to pay the betterment charges, it has to pay Rs. 6.50 crores to the BBMP. 

 But the company was not prepared to pay this much amount to the BBMP as it has its own design. Instead of paying the huge sum, it booked the ARO, RO, DC and Joint Commissioner of Bommanahalli Zone. After the Fat payment deal, the officials affected the khata to those lands! The company now has BBMP khata to its lands which naturally raises the value of the land by many folds. Nobody could do anything if the affidavit gets misplaced which the officials are expected to arrange..? The BDA has lost more than 6 crores and the officials became abundantly richer! 

 EXAMPLE 2 

 Take the case of Upkar Residency in Ullal. It formed a BDA layout consisting of around 300 sites for which BDA has given khatas and now, they have BBMP khatas as well. But the same Upkar Residency has formed another 1000 sites on the converted lands and sold it to the purchasers. Legally this layout on converted lands is illegal as it has no layout approval from BDA. But, as the owners have already sold the sites, the BBMP can not collect the betterment charges even if the lands are converted. The BBMP can collect betterment charges only for the entire converted lands in one go provided the lands are in one compact area. As it has been divided into sites, there is no way for BBMP to collect the betterment charges. The site owners can get the khata only under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme which is yet to become the law. 

 Interestingly half the layout in converted lands comes under the jurisdiction of ARO of Kengeri, and the other half is under ARO of Herohalli. While the ARO of Kengeri has refused to affect khatas to the sites coming under his limits, the ARO of Herohalli, is affected the khatas again by taking the similar affidavits from the site owners who undertake to pay the betterment charges in future if the BBMP levies the same. So, half the layout has BBMP Khatas and the other half are not lucky. The ARO charges a cool 25,000 thousand for 30x40 and 40,000 for 40x60 sites for affecting the khatas. 

 In fact, these sites can be regularized only under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme. The average betterment charges under the proposed Akrama-Sakrama Scheme will be around 1.5 lakhs for 30x40 and 3 lakhs for 40x60 sites. Higher the size more will be the betterment charges. If the average betterment charges are taken into the account, the BBMP would earn at least 30 crores from this layout itself. But the hard fact is that half the sites already have BBMP Khatas affected on the basis of affidavits. And it is definitely possible that tomorrow the officials may easily remove the affidavits and the files from the record. There is no way the BBMP can build the duplicate files. But there is the property register in this regard and the entries are the only evidence. 

So, the people whose sites have been given khatas on the basis of affidavits can have a last laugh as they need not have to regularize their sites under Akrama-Sakrama scheme. All that they spent is some 25 to 50 thousand rupees bribe to the ARO. The other halves, which are under ARO of Kengeri, will have to curse their fate. The BBMP will be losing almost 15 crores while its ARO becomes richer by few crores! 

 It is another matter that the officials get the parties to pay betterment charges caring two hoots for the rule of the law. The payment of betterment charges and affecting the khata makes the title ‘pucca’ as far as its marketability is concerned is a myth. If all the legal formalities are observed and the khata is affected, one can be sure of the legality of the title. But nobody cares about this important aspect. All they want is the proof of betterment fee and the khata. 

 In one such case in Begur, almost 20 crores were paid by a developer without following legal formalities. The developer was in hurry to create BBMP documents for his 60 acres in Begur. The then Joint Commissioner in Bommonahalli Zone, Shekarappa was instrumental in this murky deal. However, the Joint Commissioner has no powers to order for betterment fee collection. It is either the BBMP Commissioner or the Urban Development Secretary who have the powers to do so. 

 EXAMPLE 3 

 The Akrama-Sakrama Scheme being illegally implemented in Whitefield shows the ease in which the officials do criminal acts like fabrication of records. The ARO had made crores along with Revenue Inspectors. 

 THE MODUS OPERANDI 

 The modus operandi here is very simple and straight forward. Whitefield was merged with BBMP and the village coming under this sub division had their property registers handed over to BBMP. The entries in Form-9 register (Gramathana Properties) were transferred to BBMP register and all the entries in BBMP register acquire legality and khatas. Both Form-9 and BBMP registers are with the ARO. If any person wanted his revenue property to be regularized by getting the khata, he has to clinch the deal with the ARO and the Revenue Inspectors. Once the deal is clinched, they will engage the services of the village secretary who was working in the village before merger with BBMP and make the entry in the BBMP register. So, the property however big it may be, gets BBMP ‘image’ without spending a pie under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme. The ARO and Revenue Inspectors have thus made a fortune which can last for generations. 

 EXAMPLE 4 

 In case of Ullal in Kengeri Sub Division, the racketeers follow the modus operandi with a slight difference. The village property register (Form-9) handed over to the BBMP by the Kodigehalli Panchayat Secretary contained only 115 entries. The register should be with the case worker but the RI obtained the register on some pretext and kept it with himself. He along with Tax Inspector then made illegal entries in the Form-9 register in respect of almost 200 revenue properties and these illegal entries were repeated in BBMP register. For any lay man, the original entries in the Form-9 attested by the panchayat Secretary at the time of handing over to the BBMP and the entries made after the serial number 115, appears different. Even the hand writing difference is clearly evident. There are ‘fabricated’ entries to properties measuring more than 10 thousand square feet. Many entries were given to revenue layout sites too. Crores have been lost to BBMP through these criminal acts of BBMP officials. . 

The then Commissioner Bharat Lal Meena also ordered a thorough enquiry into the Ullal scam, on complaints. But except seizing the records and later handing it back to ARO of Kengeri, no action was taken. The Additional Commissioner of RR Nagar Zone is also neck deep involved in the scam. It is another matter that ARO himself had ordered khatas to villa sites near kengeri and the order was passed without processing the files. 

 If the fabricated entries in Ullal village were to be regularized under Akrama-Sakrama Scheme, the BBMP would have earned at least 25 crores! While the BBMP lost heavily, the racketeers became richer by few crores. 

 The above are only the tip of the iceberg. There are similar scams in all the 110, villages merged with the BBMP. The Zonal Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, ROs, AROs, and Revenue Inspectors have made BBMP to loose hundreds of crores. There is absolutely no control of the top brass in the BBMP over the Zonal offices and officials. One can imagine the prevailing situation by the fact that despite the then BBMP Commissioner’s order of enquiry and subsequent seizure of the records in Ullal village, nothing came out. The records were returned and the only punishment was the transfer of officials, that too, to more fertile places. The enquiry is not yet taken off. In fact, there was a move to conduct a survey to identify a revenue pockets and the Gramathana. But the survey is yet to start. There is hardly any hope of the enquiry and the justice in the near future. 

 The unscrupulous and unimaginable corrupt officials in BBMP have already enforced the Akrama-Sakrama Scheme illegally and fraudulently since two years and inflicted massive losses to the BBMP to the tune of hundreds of crores and enriching themselves in the process. 

 Unless the entire fraud is probed by a special cell consisting of dedicated officials, there will be no end to this fraud.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WHO WILL BELL THE CAT? IS CHIEF MINISTER’S SON ABOVE LAW? WILL BDA PROSECUTE HIM?

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?

IS CHIEF MINISTER’S SON ABOVE LAW? WILL BDA PROSECUTE HIM? 

 The Land allotment scam that shook the B.S.Yedurappa’s Government forced him to instruct his family members to surrender the allotted lands to them. His eldest son B.Y.Raghavendra who is a Shimoga MP, also surrendered his prime site measuring 50ft x 80ft allotted to him in the posh locality of Sadashivnagar area of Bangalore. 

 THE CHEATING 

In the year 2009, Raghavendra, reportedly gave a false affidavit to the BDA, stating that he does not own any property in the city limits, in order to get a “stray site” of BDA allotted to him. The Chief Minister B.S.Yedurappa then made the allotment to his son; a 50 ft by 80 ft plot in the posh RMV II stage (survey number 25/2 of Nagashettyhalli). Raghavendra at that time already owned half an acre of land at K.R.Puram registered on his name in 2006. The BDA plot was allotted under the chief minister’s discretionary ‘G’ quota, meant for people who achieve eminence in their respective fields but do not own residential property. 

THE CHARITY 

Later due to immense public outcry after Yeddyurappa was accused of nepotism for allotting BDA sites worth crores of rupees for a peanut amount to Raghavendra, his sister B S Premamma, and two other close relatives in prime localities of Bangalore, the Chief Minister instructed his relatives to surrender the allotted lands. 

THE LAW 

According to the rule, it is mandatory for the applicant to submit an affidavit swearing that he or she does not own any agriculture, commercial or residential property in Bangalore metropolitan area limits to the BDA, before the allotment of site. 

It should be noted that the affidavit is a legal document that must be true for its relevance in a legal case. A false affidavit becomes irrelevant to the case and also may result in proceeding of legal action against its submitter. 

Swearing to false facts on the affidavit is an offence punishable under Section 177 of the Indian Penal Code. According to the law, the guilty may attract imprisonment for a period up to six months or a penalty of Rs 1,000 or both. Besides, the BDA rules also state that if any applicant gets allotment of the site by filing a false affidavit, the site allotted should be withdrawn and the amount paid by the applicant shall also be forfeited. 

 Para 4 of the affidavit for applicants clearly states that “If the information I have furnished in the declaration is found wrong, the BDA can withdraw the site allotted to me without offering me compensation.” 

 FORGET THE LAW 

 However, the authorities have openly sidelined the law in the case of Chief Minister’s son. The BDA accepted the letters to take the back the possession of the sites and refunded the deposits. A cheque for Rs Nine lakhs was returned to Raghavendra for his 50X80 sq ft site in RMV extension. 

OTHER CHARITIES BY THE CM

 Other lands allotted to the relatives of the Yedurappa that were returned back includes- 

A two-acre prime industrial plot at Jigani Industrial Estate was surrendered by Raghavendra and his brother Vijayendra. 

 Yedurappa’s daughter Umadevi returned to KIADB, two acres of industrial land allotted to her Candor Company near Harohalli and another two acres of land near Harohalli allotted to Ficom Engineering owned by Umadevi. 

Fluid Power Technology Company also surrendered the two acres of land allotted to it. Mr Vijayendra and Mr Raghavendra are on the board of directors of the company. 

Yeddyurappa’s sister and her son and daughter-in-law too surrendered two residential plots at Chandra Layout in Bangalore west. 

Similarly, B.S. Premamma, Raghavendra’s sister, surrendered a 50X80 sq. ft plot in HSR Layout. Mr Yeddyurappa’s nephew S.C. Ashok who owned a 40X60 sq. feet plot in Chandra Layout and Mr Yeddyurappa daughter, Umadevi, who had a site near Sadashiva Nagar, have also returned the sites. 

ALLOTMENT RULE 

Allotment of stray sites of BDA is indeed a big deal. Everybody wants to get a share in these allotments. Many MLA’s, MP’s, Ministers, their personal assistants, drivers, cooks and peons, journalists etc., come in the queue to grab a share in these allotments.

 However, the BDA stray sites according to the rule book must be allotted as under- 

30% to people in public life as directed by the Government. 15% to sportspersons with special achievements. 10% to people with special achievements in arts, science and literature. 5% each to military and ex-military personnel, dependents of State Government servants who died during service & freedom fighters. 30% to be auctioned. 

WILL THE LAW PREVAIL? 

In the present instance relating to Mr. Raghavendra, the BDA is yet to take a call on prosecuting him. 

 Now the question that still remains is whether the mere surrendering of the allotted sites is good enough reason to close the chapter? Definitely not, the case of Raghavendra submitting a false affidavit to the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and also the BDA refunding him his amount on return of his allotted land is a serious crime. But, Raghavendra is the son of the Chief Minister, will the BDA prosecute him?.....