Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE EXPOSURES BY ARVIND KEJRIWAL! ACCUSING AND EXPOSING EVERYONE, WHAT DOES KEJRIWAL WANT?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE EXPOSURES BY ARVIND KEJRIWAL! 

 ACCUSING AND EXPOSING EVERYONE, WHAT DOES KEJRIWAL WANT? 

Arvind Kejriwal and group has now targeted the Reliance Company. The Kejriwal group which styles itself as civil society and India Against Corruption has charged both Congress and BJP being in the pocket of Mukesh Ambani. There will be many more exposures on politicians, political parties and Industrialists. Interestingly Kejriwal group have hitherto spared the bureaucracy which plays a major if not decisive role in corrupting the system. Till now, the Kejriwal group, an off shoot of Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal movement, has defamed everyone including the judiciary. What do they achieve by demeaning and defaming everything and everybody? 

 Nobody can take any objection to fight Corruption. Rather, it is every citizen's duty and they have a right to honest and efficient administration. But one can definitely take strong exception to a group of politically ambitious people, who, on the pretext of fighting corruption, are damning and defaming everything and everybody including the democratic institutions. There is all the danger of people losing faith in the democratic qualities of the country! 

 Last year, Anna Hazare, a little known social worker suddenly occupied the center stage in national politics, for his demand for his version of Jan Lokpal Bill to fight the corruption. He was joined by few retired bureaucrats, well known advocates and some NGOs who styled themselves as the sole representative of the Civil Society named their movement as India Against Corruption. With modern and hi-tech communications spiritedly backed by the media, the IAC gained support among the educated in urban areas. The government too buckled under adverse publicity and Anna's fast. But, the Jan Lokpal Bill remained a dream as the Anna team remained stubborn in their demand of implementing only their version of the Jan Lokpal Bill. 

However, as days passed, people realized that Anna Team has other designs and political ambitions. The movement lost its steam particularly after Anna declared that he will campaign against Congress party in the next elections and Kejriwal himself campaigned in Hissar by-election in Haryana. The media too distanced itself from them. 

Finally, Kejriwal group showed their true colours by declaring that they will be floating a political party. They are now busy in preparing ground work for the launch of the party in a few days, even though Anna has not shown interest in their political plan. The Kejriwal group’s new slogan is “I am ordinary man and I want Jan Lokpal Bill”. And as run up to the launching of the political party, Kejriwal group has started the build up and grabbing headlines. In fact Kejriwal group wants to project itself as the “only surviving honest people/politicians and the rest are all corrupt and despicable”. 

Kejriwal group started to target the leading players in the Indian politics. First it targeted the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi by accusing her son-in-law Robert Vadra of amassing huge wealth in a very short time through questionable means. The Congress panicked and its leaders including Central Ministers vied with one another to defend Vadra. Kejriwal group let the matter rest there. 

Few days later, Kejriwal group targeted Central Law Minister Salman Khurshid accusing him of swallowing lakhs, granted from Uttar Pradesh government towards his family trust helping physically challenged. Salman Khurshid strongly rebutted the charges and threatened to sue Kejriwal. And the matter rests there. 

A week later, Kejriwal group targeted the BJP National President Nitin Gadkari by accusing him of dubious deals in his business empire. The charges were taken seriously by the media as Gadkari, the BJP president is all set for second term as president with the RSS backing. 

The other day, Kejriwal group targeted Mukesh Ambani of Reliance corporate group and accused him of controlling the government especially the petroleum ministry. The group made serious allegation of Mukesh Ambani blackmailing the government by under production of gas, to force the government to hike the procurement price of natural gas by 300 percent! The group also accused both NDA and UPA of promoting the interests of Reliance and Mukesh Ambani. They also accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for replacing Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy for having issued a notice for levying a penalty of 7000 crores to the Reliance. They accused the Prime Minister for replacing with Jaipal Reddy with Veerappa Moily only with a view to help Mukesh Ambani. 

Whatsoever, what do Kejriwal and company want to achieve by hurling charges against their targets? Interestingly Kejriwal group does not want to take the scams to its logical end. They do not want to approach the courts for probe. They simply want to expose and earn free publicity or perhaps derive political mileage out of it for their political career. 

This attitude is a very dangerous trend. If the Kejriwal group continues their hit and run attitude by defaming everything that people hold as hope, it will have disastrous effect on body politic. People will lose faith in every political leader, political parties and other democratic institutions. What more they may even suspect Kejriwal group also as they too have become politicians. 

It is time Kejriwal group realises that hit and run attitude towards corruption does not pay any political dividends. They have to realise that mere hurling corruption charges will do no good. They have to prove the charges to gain respectability and credibility. They must not only expose, but, also proceed to get the wrong deeds examined by the appropriate authorities and the criminals penalized. If they do so, then they will be doing a yeoman service to the nation by weeding out corrupt elements from body politic and corporate sector. But the question is, will they do it? 

That is all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE DIRTY NICE! LOKAYUKTA COURT’S BLOW TO NICE, PROJECT UNDER PROBE!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE DIRTY NICE!  

LOKAYUKTA COURT’S BLOW TO NICE, PROJECT UNDER PROBE! 

The Lokayukta Judge N.K.Sudhindra Rao has dealt a severe blow to the edifice of the multibillion 'Nice Road' frauds by ordering probe by Lokayukta police. The Judge has directed the Lokayukta police to probe the role of 'Powerful' politicians which include among others, former PM HD Deve Gowda to the former CMs S.M.Krishna, B.S.Yeddyurappa to the bureaucrats concerned. Considering the present situation in the Lokayukta, one can dare say that it cannot provide justice to the probe. Only the CBI, which has the necessary infrastructure and competent investigators, can do Justice to the probe. 

The Lokayukta Judge N.K.Sudhindra Rao has ordered the Lokayukta ADGP to probe the NICE Scam and the role played by prominent politicians and top level bureaucrats. The Judge also ordered the government to seize the toll fee collected and also to resume 7000 acres of excess lands grabbed by the NICE Company. Obviously, Ashok Kheni the architect of the 'NICE scam' will take the matter up to Supreme Court, but indeed, it is for the first time that the NICE Project itself has come under the police probe. 

The story started in 1983 when Deve Gowda was the PWD Minister during R.K.Hegde’s regime. Deve Gowda, proposed a separate straight and broad road which would be safe and also reduce the Bangalore-Mysore distance considerably. First, the leading businessman and liquor baron Khodays were given the task and though capable enough, yet; somehow, the project was dropped for reasons unknown even to this day. 

Then, in 1995; the then CM Deve Gowda revived the proposal and proposed an exclusive Express Corridor Road between Bangalore and Mysore with 8 lanes. The concrete road was planned to minimise the wear and tear of the vehicles. According to the proposal, the land required for the Corridor Road was about 6000 acres. To make the project viable, there was the proposal to allow the contractor to build township, commercial malls, at five different places adjoining the Corridor Road and collect toll fees for 30 years. For the lands to the townships etc, it was put at 11000 acres. At the end of the 30 years period the contractor has to hand over the toll road to the government and also 40% of the lands given for Township etc along with buildings. 

A Global tender was floated and Baba Kalyani group which led the consortium of a couple of European companies bagged the contract. In 1996, a Frame Work Agreement (FWA) was entered between the government and the Baba Kalyani led consortium. As per the agreement, the government lands needed for the project was to be leased to the company at the rate of Rs 10 per acre per year for 30 years. With regard to the private lands, the company had to purchase it directly from the farmers by paying market rates. There was also the stipulation of providing jobs to the dependent family who sell their lands and providing basic infrastructure to the villages. After this FWA, Deve Gowda became the PM and moved to national politics. 

JH Patel, who succeeded Deve Gowda as the CM, changed the project scenario completely, allegedly, on the advice of B.S.Patil, a senior IAS Officer, who later became the Chief Secretary. The extent of lands to be given was increased by another three thousand acres and the government took over the responsibility of acquiring the lands on behalf of the company. KIADB was entrusted with the land acquisition from land owners and fixing the compensation. Without any rhyme or reason, the contractor company that is Baba Kalyani group gave way to Ashok Kheni's NICE Company. Ashok Kheni was working in USA and is related to Baba Kalyani. 

The NICE Company had to deposit the land acquisition cost to the KIADB which was around 10 to 12 crores. Further, it had to deposit the compensation amount with the KIADB for disbursement to the land owners. For the government lands, the government would have easily leased it to the company with a mere government order. 

Interestingly, without the NICE Company paying a single rupee towards acquisition charges, the KIADB initiated the acquisition proceedings. The company later paid a part of the acquisition cost during SM Krishna regime and that too after obtaining a loan of Rs. 150 crores from ICICI Bank. 

It was roses all the way for Kheni. All along, he did not spend a single pie towards the project. In fact, he had no money to spend. Finally, with the government providing surety, he managed to obtain a huge loan of Rs. 150 crores, from the ICICI Bank. Even though the government had not handed over lands to the company, Kheni got the loan by pledging the lands and even the yet to be started project! 

It is during this time, unimaginable fraud had taken place. As per the FWA, the government was to lease its lands for the project for 30 years at Rs 10 per acre per year! But Kheni got the word 'lease' changed to 'sale'! What more, he got stamp duty exemption also. And wonder of wonders, the land requirement was increased to 23 thousand acres in place of original 17000 acres! The PWD Minister Dharam Singh inaugurated the construction of the Road. Even though Kheni had to build Corridor Road between Bangalore and Mysore along with another link road from Tumkur Road to Hosur Road, he concentrated on building only the link road. He chose to acquire whatever land he fancied around the link road in Bengaluru fixing the compensation at Rs 6 lakhs per acre! The KIADB officiated as his servant and not a government agency. 

In the meanwhile, hundreds of farmers have questioned the acquisition of their lands by Kheni. The High Court quashed the NICE Project itself, but, the Supreme Court gave an order directing the government to provide all assistance asked by Kheni for the NICE project. Kheni with the help of legal luminaries got Judgments in his favour and armed with the SC Judgement, he has been arm twisting the government. 

Apparently, he has built only the link road and even though he can collect the toll fee only after the Bangalore-Mysore Road is completed, he has started collecting abnormal toll fee which is the highest in the country. It is only during Kumaraswamy’s regime as the CM that Kheni came to some trouble. Kumaraswamy even went to the extent of scrapping the NICE Project itself and decided to entrust the project on a Swiss Challenge method, where the successful company will utilize only the required land and collect the toll after completing the project in a time bound manner. But Yedurappa, the then Deputy CM boycotted the cabinet meeting itself along with other BJP Ministers! 

 Whatsoever, the NICE fraud is the culmination of the unholy nexus between Kheni, politicians and bureaucrats. Except Deve Gowda and his JD(S), no political party or leaders have opposed the NICE fraud. Since the last two years, Deve Gowda is fighting the fraud as a one man army. Kheni, who was penniless when the Baba Kalyani group bagged the project, is now worth thousands of crores today by selling lands acquired for NICE project. He has procured hundreds of acres of land all along the link road and made crores and crores by selling them making astronomical profits. In addition, his daily toll collection exceeds Rs. 50 lakhs that is 180 crores per year. He is also treating the Link Road as his private property and has decorated it with hundreds of his life size posters-flex etc. 

At long last, the Lokayukta Judge N.K.Sudhindra Rao has ordered the probe into the fraud, seizure of the toll collection during the last two years and resuming about 7000 acres of excess lands procured by Kheni in the name of the project. 

At last, a Daniel has come to Judgement! But, on the contrary, while the Lokayukta itself is headless, not much is expected from it. Rather, the CBI which has all the infrastructure and competency is much suitable to probe such intense and high magnitude NICE fraud which runs into multibillion. 

That is all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE UGLY FACE OF NICE! NICE MORTGAGED BMIC TO ICICI FOR 150 CRORES CHEATED REVENUE DEPT NICELY FOR OVER 20 CRORES

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE UGLY FACE OF NICE! 

 NICE MORTGAGED BMIC TO ICICI FOR 150 CRORES CHEATED REVENUE DEPT NICELY FOR OVER 20 CRORES 

Please refer to our TBMR 01st June, 2011 issue “NICE-LY PLAYED”. We had clearly exposed on how Mr. Ashok Kheny, the MD of Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprises (NICE) Company had cheated in the much hyped BMIC project. 

Of course, Kheny had no money at his disposal even to pay 0.001 percent of the project cost, yet managed to bag the project and raised a Bank loan of Rs. 150 crores. Not only that, but, he shockingly cheated the State Government in paying the Stamp duty to the tune of Rs. 20 crores.

Ashok Kheni, when bagged the prestigious BMIC project, propagated himself as a billionaire to be capable of completing the BMIC project by spending hundreds of crores from his own pocket. But the hard reality is quite contrary to this image. 

Ashok Kheni, actually, did not have money even to deposit the acquisition cost to the KIADB. In fact when the MoU for the BMIC project was signed when HD Deve Gowda was the Chief Minister; the KIADB was made the nodal authority to initiate acquisition process, take the possession of the lands after paying compensation and hand over the same to NICE Company for laying the roads. 

NICE on its part had to bear the cost of acquisition process, the cost of the lands acquired and pay an initial amount of Rs. 5 crores to the KIADB towards notification of lands. NICE was duty bound to pay the land costs to the KIADB demands and get the possession of the acquired lands. 

But, after the MoU was signed, NICE had no money to pay KIADB, even the cost of notification. Shockingly, KIADB itself spent money from its pockets and issued Notifications in stages. For almost two years, the NICE Company did not pay the cost of the acquisition and when the KIADB threatened to stop the notification process, the NICE paid just a crore! 

By 2002 October, the KIADB had acquired about 2000 acres of land in Bangalore North, South and Ramanagaram Taluks. But the company did not have a single penny to pay for the compensation, let alone the cost of acquisition. As the lands were acquired at the rate of Rs 6 lakhs per acre, the company had to pay Rs 120 crores towards compensation and Rs 10 crores as acquisition cost. 

With no money at the disposal, the NICE Company began scouting for huge loan to meet the immediate requirement of the compensation to the land owners. The KIADB also had no money to bear the compensation amount to land owners and it had already incurred huge expenditure towards notification etc. Finally, the ICICI Bank agreed to provide a loan of Rs. 150 Crores to NICE towards BMIC project, but, the Bank put severe conditions to NICE to avail the loan. As per the humiliating conditions laid down by the ICICI Bank, the company had to mortgage the entire lands acquired so far, also the project and also demanded power of attorney on the lands from the company. Thus, the terms and covenant of the Mortgage Deed bearing No: 11113/2002-03 convey absolute rights over the lands mortgaged to the ICICI Bank as per the rules pertaining to transfer of titles under sec 46 (A) of the Karnataka Stamp Act and empowers the Lender to take full control of the lands and to have and hold possession of the same effective from the day of execution of the Deed. 

Besides, a Sale Deed camouflaged as a mortgage deed was registered on 27.11.2002 bearing no.11113/2002-03. As per the rules, the company had to pay the stamp duty on the deed as per conveyance at 13.5%. The deed registered was an out and out sale deed camouflaged as a mortgage deed and the Sub Registrar was pressurized into registering the deed. It had no option but to register the mortgage deed and it did so. 

Further, Ashok Kheni who registered the mortgage deed paid only Rs. 6 lakhs as Stamp Duty. The deed gives complete right and power over the company and the project including power of attorney and right to step in and take over the lands and the projects of NICE to the ICICI Bank. Most shockingly, though the KIADB had not yet handed over the possession of 1931 acres of land it had acquired in North, South and Ramanagaram Taluks to the NICE Company, Ashok Kheni already mortgaged these lands for raising the loan of Rs 150 Crores and paid a part of it to the KIADB. The lands were actually acquired from across different taluks and handed over to NICE only during the period from the last quarter of 2005 until the first quarter of 2008. But, NICE had executed a Mortgage Deed in favour of the ICICI Bank for Rs. 150 Cr (Rupees One Hundred and fifty crores) on 27.11.2002, much prior to receiving physical delivery of the lands by the company. 

Furthermore, Ashok Kheni paid only Rs 6.10 lakhs towards Stamp Duty and another Rs 2.10 lakhs as Registration fee. The Stamp Duty applicable for such a transaction as per the Article 34(a) of the Karnataka Stamp Duty Act of 1957, shall be on par with the Article 20 (1) of the Act, which was at 10 per cent of the consideration amount mentioned in the transaction plus other applicable fees. Apparently, the Stamp duty payable would come to more than Rs. 20 crores including the registration fees. Thus, NICE has NICELY cheated the Government a sum exceeding Rs.20 Crs! 

The Government is duty bound to collect the stamp duty and registration fee of Rs. 23 Crores from the NICE company under sec 46 (A) of the stamp Act. It is time that the Government takes stern action against the company for recovery of the deficit stamp duty and registration fee of more than Rs. 20 crores! 

This incidence clearly explains that if Ashok Kheni was a billionaire and had billions at his disposal, then, why did he not deposit the acquisition cost and compensation amount to KIADB? Why did he raise a loan of Rs. 150 crores from ICICI with humiliating terms and that too against mortgaging the yet to be delivered 1931 acres of land to the ICICI Bank? 

One can imagine the financial position of Kheny by the fact that he had no money to pay Rs.10 crores to the KIADB to take up land acquisition works. How one can imagine a person who had no money to pay even the cost of land acquisition which is only 0.001 percent of the project cost, to execute the project? 

That is all! 

LANDS MORTGAGED TO ICICI FOR 150 CRORES 

 Bangalore North Taluk ------205 Acres 25Guntas 

Bangalore South Taluk-------1152 Acres 3Guntas 

Ramangaram Taluk ----------573 Acres 12Guntas 

                   Total---------------1931 Acres

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SBM STAMP PAPER SCAM- 2 THE SHOCKING WHITE COLLAR SCAM BY A BANK & REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE SBM STAMP PAPER SCAM-2 

THE SHOCKING WHITE COLLAR SCAM BY A BANK & REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT! 

 Most of us are shocked and frustrated over the Kareem Telgi Stamp Paper scam and consider it a black spot on the Registration Department. But, you will be more astonished over this SBM Stamp paper scam which we bring to you in series and details. We call it a white collar scam because; this has been done in the broad day-light under the very noses of the ‘babus’ with the connivance of the relevant Bank. This would bow the heads in shame for the failure of introducing an effective and a fool-proof alternative system of revenue collection despite the Government having several efficient administrative officers in its corridor. Indeed, the Kareem Telgi Scam appears quite small compared to the scam our elected authorities have operated. There are multiple blunders accrued in this scam and most importantly it is by our own authorized officials, who are liable for safeguarding the public treasury. Here it is unfolded in detail for you. 

 THE 2nd BLUNDER- 

SBM PRINTS ITS OWN DIFFERENT STYLE STAMP PAPERS WITH ITS NAME ON IT! IT LAPSES THE SECURITY FEATURES! 

 In our last issue we revealed that the State Bank of Mysore has no written agreement with the Government to print and sell Stamp Papers of various denominations on its own. While SBM was instructed to issue a receipt against accepting registration charges paid by the citizens, SBM started printing a special paper for preparing document in place of receipts, this also without any authorization. This added to the trouble and unofficially brought back Stamp paper into the system from the back door, while the whole exercise was to get rid of the Stamp Paper in the wake of Karim Telgi Stamp Paper scam. 

 Legally speaking, only the Government of India has the exclusive jurisdiction over the machinery provision of stamp act including printing of papers, where as the SBM has been printing the papers on its own. (Refer Note by IGR & CS dt-21/02/04. 

 If you check the website of Department of Stamps and Registration, Government of Karnataka, it clearly mentions the requisites of a genuine Stamp Paper and considers any variation as to being a fake Stamp Paper. Though illegal in first place to print Stamp Paper on its own, the SBM printed Stamp Papers also do not carry requisites of a genuine Stamp Paper. The Stamp Papers printed by SBM bears the name of the Bank, rather than that of Government of India or of the State. That legally makes a document, a property of SBM and not that of the State Government. Hence, it actually should be valueless in the court of Law and therefore all the transactions undertaken through these papers shall stand meaningless. 

 The unanswerable questions are what made the SBM so blatant to go ahead and print the Stamp Paper itself? Are the authorities of SBM unaware of Stamp Paper Act? Don’t they know that they cannot print the Stamp Papers? Why have they printed the Stamp papers with their own design? How can they print the name of their Bank on a Government Document? 

 The SBM stamp papers were of different denominations, in different colours and in different designs and even receipts for stamp duty for registerable articles were being issued through these stamp papers. 

 The act of SBM in printing, selling and circulating stamp papers of various denominations amount to fabricating the stamp papers, which are punishable under various sections of IPC and Cr.PC. 

 LAPSES IN SECURITY FEATURES 

 The already illegal denomination wise Stamp Papers printed and sold by SBM, also have lapses in its security features. Shockingly, the Stamp Papers in various denominations are printed by different private printers in different styles. We observed the following differences in Stamp Papers. 

 1) 5th March 2004- The Stamp Papers were very light in colour, signed as proper officer/ SS number. 

On the top, it is written as, “Issued by State Bank of Mysore on Behalf of Government of Karnataka, Certified that a sum of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only) has been paid towards Karnataka Stamp duty by Sri….. The number 20/- is also printed in all the 4 corners in black colour. In addition, the logo of SBM is clearly visible in the middle of the stamp paper header. However, the mark of Government of Karnataka is missing. 

 2) Now check another Rupee 20/- Stamp paper of 15th June 2004. All the features are different on this stamp paper. It is dark in colour, signed as Authorized Agent to collect stamp duty on behalf of Government of Karnataka. On the top, it is written as, (left side) Government of Karnataka, Registration & stamp department & (right side) Issued by State Bank of Mysore, Certified that a sum of Rs. 20/- (Rupees Twenty only) has been paid towards Karnataka Stamp duty by Sri….. Also Rs. 20/- in number printed in all the 4 corners here is in white colour. In addition, the SBM logo is shifted on the top of the stamp paper and the trade mark of Government of Karnataka is also visible. 

 3) Further, please refer to the website of Department of Stamps & Registration and check their comments about a fake stamp paper. The department website says that genuine adhesive stamps, stamp papers and non judicial stamp papers have the following features- Impressed papers of lower denominations are in uniform colour with water mark of Ashoka pillar and the words Satyamevajayate on the plain part of it in Devanagari Script. None of these security features are seen in SBM stamp papers. 

 4) Now see the original stamp papers which are from Government printing press Nasik. All the above mandatory security features are available.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE DIVIDING DREAM! UMESH KATTI DAY DREAMING OF DIVIDING THE STATE TO BECOME CM!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE DIVIDING DREAM!  

UMESH KATTI DAY DREAMING OF DIVIDING THE STATE TO BECOME CM! 

Umesh Katti a Minister has demanded creation of “Kalyana Karnataka” consisting of North Karnataka regions, Goa, and Sholapur in Maharashtra. His demand has invited the wrath of people who are demanding his resignation. The Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar has tried to play down the Katti episode by explaining that it was a just a slip of the tongue. And Katti has reiterated his demand of creation of Kalyana Karnataka. By doing so, Katti in one go, has tried to negate the sacrifices of lakhs of people who fought for the unification of the state. 

 he Suvarna Vidhana Soudha was inaugurated in Belgaum by the President of India few days back. The government will hold the winter session of the Assembly in Belgaum. In a way, Belgaum has become a sort of second capital and a symbol of emotional integration of Northern and Southern Karnataka regions of the State. Also, the North Karnataka region has Circuit Benches of the High Court. All these and many more steps result in providing equal development of all regions in the state. 

But, before the people could rejoice aftermath of the inauguration of the Suvarna Soudha, Umesh Katti, the Agriculture Minister and Belgaum in charge minister has created a big controversy by demanding a separate state for North Karnataka region and merging with it the Goa and Sholapur in Maharashtra. This obnoxious demand has shocked the people of the state who are strongly protesting Katti's statement. 

On the contrary, there are many votaries of a separate state for “Hyderabad Karnataka” consisting of Bidar, Gulbarga, Bellary, Raichur, Bijapur, Bagalkote and Koppal. Vyjanath Patil, a prominent political leader is very vocal for a separate statehood for Hyederabad Karnataka area. But there are no takers to his demand. Every year, as a ritual, Vyjanath Patil hoists a HK flag on Rajyotsava day for demanding separate state and there ends that year's demand. Vyjanath Patil has however fought for the development of the HK region which undoubtedly is very backward in all respects. Arguably, over the years, thousands of crores have been spent towards the all round development of the HK region. And needless to say that corruption has eaten away the benefits which have to reach the region. 

But Belgaum is not associated with HK region and has prospered a lot. It has three rivers flowing in the district and there are a lot of Industries, sugar factories, educational institutions etc. And Katti wants the HK areas including Belgaum be merged into forming a separate State “Kalyana Karnataka”. Maharashtra is also claiming Belgaum district and wants it to be merged with it. 

When Sharad Pawar was the CM of Maharashtra, he offered to the then CM Ramakrishna Hegde to hand over Belagaum to Maharashtra against a compensation of about 600 crores to the state! But the fierce opposition foiled his attempts at snatching Belgaum. When HD Kumaraswamy was the CM, he held a special session of the Assembly in Belgaum to give a fitting reply to the Marathi trouble makers. He had announced building of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha on the lines of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. He had also decided to declare Belgaum as the second capital of the state, but, before he could do so, he lost power. And Katti wants Belgaum to be capital of the Kalyana Karnataka consisting of districts of HK area along with Goa which is a separate state and Sholapur district in Maharashtra. However, he will be content only with HK area and Belgaum also. Interestingly he has not addressed any valid reasons for a separate state. It is merely on the pretext that by 2020 the central government will form another 50 small states supposedly for equal development of all the regions. 

Katti has his own agenda. He is also a businessman owning Sugar factories, Industries etc worth hundreds of crores. Till 2008, he was in JD(S) and it’s Vice President. When B.S.Yeddyurappa became the CM, he was procured by him under operation Kamala and made a Minister. Katti has business connections in Goa and Maharashtra also. Allegedly, to make his business empire prospers and to become a business tycoon, Katti has his own designs. He is now one of the leading loyalists of Yedurappa and got himself appointed as the Belgaum district in charge minister on demand. It is no secret that the entire bureaucracy in the district are all handpicked by Katti and one may say Katti is ruling Belgaum as Republic of Belgaum on the lines of Republic of Bellary! 

But he is not satisfied and wants absolute power. He knows well that Yedurappa may not become the CM again even though he may join his Karnataka Janata party. As Katti is a highly ambitious businessman, he will not be happy with becoming a mere minister, but, wants to be the CM of the state. However, he cannot dream of becoming the CM either in Congress or JD(S) dispensation. In BJP, even if he remains in the party, he cannot aspire to become the CM as he is one among many district level leaders of the party. As far as Yedurappa’s Karnataka Janata party is concerned, Yedurappa remains the boss there. Moreover, there are already two heavy weight competent in KJP that is Yedurappa’s son B.Y.Raghavendra and his woman Friday Shobha Karandlaje. Further, Yedurappa does not allow any lingayath leader to grow bigger than his boot. By any stretch of imagination, Katti cannot aspire to be the CM of Karnataka in the near future. 

That is why Katti wants separate state for North Karnataka region and dreams to be its CM. Arguably, Katti cannot claim his monopoly even there as Congress, JDS, BJP and even Sriramulu's party too have their bases in the region. But still, Katti hopes against hope that he can split the state by making a new state for North Karnataka region and could one day become the CM. There is the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belgaum and the state is giving huge fund allocation to the development of the region. Besides, the Central Government is amending Art 371 to give a special status to the region which also implies thousands of crores of funds from the Central government. 

Umesh Katti a businessman who is in politics, wants to lord over the 'Kalyana Karnataka' by becoming its CM and thereby becoming a very big business tycoon. Well, there is no bar or ban in the country over day dreaming! And Katti is doing just that. 

That is all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter IT’S A PARTY TIME! YEDURAPPA WILL LAUNCH HIS OWN PARTY IN DECEMBER!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

IT’S A PARTY TIME! 

YEDURAPPA WILL LAUNCH HIS OWN PARTY IN DECEMBER!  

It is official. B.S.Yeddyurappa will be forming his own political party on 19th December. Ironicically, Yedurappa wants Jagadish Shettar to continue as CM till the next elections, due in May 2013. He also wants his loyal ministers and MLAs to stay put in the government till the next elections. And he himself continues to stay in BJP despite his proclamation of forming a new party and announcing that he does not need the BJP. Why he is waiting till December to form the party? Why not now? Perhaps because, he wants to mobilise as much resources as possible through his loyal ministers which will come in handy for him... For the last six months, former CM B.S.Yeddyurappa was boldly proclaiming about forming his own political party, to take revenge on the BJP high command for having denied him the CM post, again. Yedurappa now wants to prove that without him, the BJP will lick the dust. 

He became the CM of the state and ran the government from May 2008 to August 2011. But, all through his tenure, he was accused of indulging in magnanimous levels of corruption. While the High Command was helpless for long it finally had to intervene after the Lokayukta report on Mining scam which also named him as a beneficiary. This time, it was beyond the control of the high command and it asked Yedurappa to resign. Finally, when nothing worked, he resigned but assured the appointment of his handpicked Sadananda Gowda as the CM. But, when Sadananda Gowda started functioning independently, Yedurappa demanded that he be made the CM again and started threatening the High Command. He relentlessly continued his tirade against Sadananda, state BJP President KS Eswarappa, National General Secretary Anantha Kumar and even the leaders of the High Command. Yedurappa had talks with the NCP leader Sharad Pawar and even Congress high command leaders to send a strong message to the high command to make him CM again or the state BJP President or else he will have his own way. Succumbing to Yedurappa’s black mail, the high command finally replaced Sadananda with Yedurappa’s choice of Jagadish Shettar as CM. As far as his demand for BJP state Presidentship, the high command said a firm no. 

Before Jagadish Shettar became the CM, Yedurappa was under the CBI probe ordered by the Supreme Court. Yedurappa however managed the anticipatory bail from the High Court and with Jagadish Shettar as the CM, he could expect the state support in his fight against CBI probe. Needless to say that, his Congress connections will also help him tide over the problem. With all these precautions and safety measures, Yedurappa has now started the formation of his own party after realising that he cannot aspire to become either the CM or State President of BJP. 

Yedurappa has also successfully managed heavy portfolios to his loyalist ministers in the ruling BJP. He has not allowed the much awaited Portfolio reallocation by Jagadish Shettar to BJP loyalists. Despite the best efforts of the high command, Yedurappa has already distanced himself from BJP and so are his loyalist ministers. 

Now, Yedurappa has categorically stated that he will have no connections whatsoever with BJP anymore, even if he is offered the State President ship. He has proclaimed that he will launch his own political party in December. Interestingly he has stated that his loyal ministers and MLAs will remain in the government till the elections are declared which is likely to be in March next year. He defends this ‘arrangement’ on the plea that he wants Jagadish Shettar to complete his term as he has made him the CM. 

What does this mean? Yedurappa and his loyalists will be technically in BJP enjoying power perks and privileges that goes with their positions. Arguably, when Yedurappa proclaims that he will launch the party in December, it goes without saying that he should leave the party immediately and those loyal to him too should resign their seats and positions. It is simply unthinkable that those who do not have faith and loyalty in BJP and are planning to float a new political party are enjoying their positions in BJP. It is sheer hypocrisy. When they do not want to continue with the BJP, they should come out of the party immediately and not cling on to power. 

But Yedurappa has his own strategy. He wants the ministers loyal to him to continue in the government so that they use the machinery to benefit their political career and their yet to be formed new political party. Arguably, they have no moral, legal or ethical rights to continue with BJP or enjoy power in BJP. They have to quit the government and the party, but, they want to eat the cake and take it home too! 

Whatsoever, Yedurappa has already severed all his links with BJP. And, wonder of wonders, the BJP high command is in such a pitiable position that it is helpless to initiate any action against him. Yedurappa equally is playing a diabolical game wrecking havoc in the party and the government through his loyalists. Ironically, he defends his action on the plea that he wants Jagadish Shettar to complete the term. Does this mean that Jagadish Shettar is so possessive of the CM post that he does not mind continuing in power with support of Yedurappa loyalists who are out to soon join the new political party by Yedurappa? Does this mean that the BJP is so power starved that it also knowingly continues to run the government with the support of such MLA’s and Ministers who will soon form another party against BJP? 

Why should they wait till the elections are announced? Why should Yedurappa continue in BJP despite announcing the formation of his own political party in December? He should resign from BJP and go in for his political future right away. The answers to all these questions depict the new low the politico of the state has touched! 

That is all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE BLANK KHATHA CERTIFICATE! BBMP RR NAGAR ZONE- 1, KENGERI ARO OFFICE THE DULY SIGNED BLANK KHATHA FOR PROPERTY REGISTRATION

Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE BLANK KHATHA CERTIFICATE!          

BBMP RR NAGAR ZONE- 1, KENGERI ARO OFFICE THE DULY SIGNED BLANK KHATHA FOR PROPERTY REGISTRATION

The Kengeri ARO office in BBMP’s RR Nagar Zone is undoubtedly No.1 in BBMP for having the highest number of fraudsters who masquerade as officials. A Group of four officials which includes case workers Lingaraju, Madhu, Revenue Inspector Shivanna and ARO Puttanna (now retired) have excelled in the art of creating bogus BBMP records. During the regime of K.M.Ramachandran as the Joint Commissioner, the Group of four had played havoc by creating bogus records to hundreds of revenue sites and lands. Even now the ‘racket’ is still being continued.... 

Just take a look at the ‘blank’ Khatha certificate duly signed and stamped by K.S.Puttanna who was the ARO of Kengeri Sub Zone. Well, with the blank Khatha certificate duly signed by the official, you can register any property under RR Nagar zone in your name. No joke, but you can even register the BBMP of RR Nagar itself in your name! 

 Puttanna has retired few months back. But even now, one can get such ‘blank’ khatha certificates, ‘blank’ extracts and duly signed certificates in the custody of case workers Lingaraju, Madhu and Revenue Inspector Shivanna. It is to be recalled that fearing that his fraud may put him into trouble, Shivanna had taken transfer to Herohalli Sub Zone. 

 Very recently, the Revenue Officer in RR Nagar Zone Chandrashekar seized a brand ‘new’ duplicate Property Register from Madhu, the case worker. The register was full of bogus entries and there is no chance of detecting whether the register is original or bogus one. Even though the property ledgers and other connected original records should be in the personal custody of the ARO, even today, one can allegedly see that the registers are with the case workers and sometimes with Revenue Inspectors. This has given enough room for these officials to make bogus entries to revenue sites, revenue lands and even government lands for the areas which were brought under BBMP. The revenue records of villages and CMC areas too were handed over to BBMP. 

 The case workers makes entries in the Village Property Register and on the basis of such bogus entries, they make the entries in BBMP Register and later issue khathas. While lakhs of revenue site owners are waiting for regularisation of their properties under the yet to be cleared Akrama-Sakrama, for people who own revenue properties in Kengeri Sub Zone, it is very easy. Just pay the alleged ‘demand’ between 50 thousand to few lakhs depending on the size, and the fraudsters will do the rest and provide ‘pucca’ BBMP records. 

 Puttanna, the ARO is an easy man and as he is not of demanding nature. Allegedly, they pay him few hundreds and pocket the thousands. Puttanna had come into serious trouble earlier and was even suspended. At one point of time, he was allegedly made to sign the khathas for revenue sites in Sachindanagar coming under ARO (RR Nagar Sub Zone) even though there is an ARO for RR Nagar! Even after his retirement, few months back the fraudsters are using Puttanna to sign blank certificates without even the date, so that they can fill the certificate and ante date it. The blank khatha certificate (See box) is just the tip of the ice berg. In fact, Madhu, the case worker for Kengeri ward has allegedly ‘maintained’ a parallel property Register also. In one case, Madhu had given bogus entries to 30 acres of land in Halagenadevahalli and huge apartments are coming up. In Kodipalya, he had given more than 40 entries. Shivanna had provided entries to more than 200 revenue properties in Vajrahalli. Lingaraju is a law unto himself. 

 For the entire illegal racket, they use the services of Puttanna to sign the blank registers and certificates as ARO and stamping it. Recently, the Revenue Officer Chandrashekhar has caught hold of a bogus register maintained by Madhu, which has explosive facts. But the Group of three (excluding Puttanna) allegedly have managed to manage the RO in not taking further action. Already the free site scam is being investigated by the BMTF in which Shivanna was the architect. 

 No doubt, the Group of three has a good nexus. Puttanna who is retired will have to face the music as most of the thousands of bogus entries were certified by him as ARO. Interestingly, this Group has a couple of people who work as collection agents. Because of the fear of Lokayukta raid, they do not take money during office hours and these ‘agents’ collect the money and keep it with them till they go home. 

 Shockingly, in the recent event of the RO seizing the bogus register from Mahdu, no action was initiated in this regard. It is allegedly said that Madhu had paid to manage the RO. Needless to say that there are payments to the DC and JC too. 

 It is time; the BMTF should have a “look” at the Kengeri ARO office and the frauds by the Group of four. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SBM STAMP PAPER SCAM- 1 THE SHOCKING WHITE COLLAR SCAM BY BANK & REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

THE SBM STAMP PAPER SCAM-1 

THE SHOCKING WHITE COLLAR SCAM BY BANK & REGISTRATION DEPARTMENT!

Most of us are shocked and frustrated over the Kareem Telgi Stamp Paper scam and consider it a black spot on the Registration Department. But, you will be more astonished over this SBM Stamp paper scam which we bring to you in series and details. We call it a white collar scam because; this has been done in the broad day-light under the very noses of the ‘babus’ with the connivance of the relevant Banks. This would bow the heads in shame for the failure of introducing an effective and a fool-proof alternative system of revenue collection despite the Government having several efficient administrative officers in its corridor. Indeed, the Kareem Telgi Scam appears quite small compared to the scam our elected authorities have operated. There are multiple blunders accrued in this scam and most importantly it is by our own authorized officials, who are liable for safeguarding the public treasury. Here it is unfolded in detail for you. 

With the exposure of Kareem Telgi stamp paper scam, the Government decided to do away with the Stamp Papers with effect from 01/04/2003. While this was a prelude to abolition of the Stamp Papers legally, and the law legislated by the state waited for the Presidential assent. As an immediate alternative, the State Government made arrangements with the State Bank of Mysore (SBM) for payment of Stamp Duty through its branches and its subsidiaries in the state. It issued notifications that henceforth State Bank of Mysore is authorized to collect Stamp Duty on behalf of the State Government. But what happened then, is astonishing. 

The Beginning- 

The Kareem Telgi fake Stamp Paper scam was out and the citizens watched the manipulation of public money in horror. The Karnataka State Government panicked and issued notifications saying that it has banned the sale of Stamp Paper from 01/04/2003. Instead, it implemented various temporary alternatives to select the best feasible one as a solution. 

 THE 1st BLUNDER- NO WRITTEN AGREEMENT 

 As a measure, it authorized and informed the State Bank of Mysore (SBM) to collect the Stamp duty from 01/05/2003 on behalf of the Government. It sent a proposal to bank to issue pre-printed D/Ds of various denominations from Rs.5/= up to Rs. 10,00,000/-. Instead, the Bank on this proposal letter Dt:26-03-2003, started printing of Stamp papers in various denominations. However, extremely shocking is the fact that there was no written agreement for printing of denomination wise Stamp papers.(SBM calls it as document sheets) 

The SBM from 01/04/2003 itself had started printing its own denomination wise stamp papers through private printing presses and named it as Document Sheets. And the State Government never entered into an agreement with the Bank. (Note by District Registrar dated 21/02/2004, Point 2-b). 

According to point number 2-b in the Note issued by the District Registrar on date 21/02/2004, it says “ It is further confounding that the Department has no written agreement with any Bank and it is suggested that we should impose our authority on SBM under a written agreement”. See document-1 

An RTI reply by the IGR & CS dated 16/01/2007 in response to enquiring about the Agreement/ MoU with the Bank also states that ‘No such MoU has been executed’. See document-2 

This clearly states that the Government has no written agreement with the Bank with regard to authorizing the SBM to print denomination wise Stamp papers on behalf of the State Government. 

On the contrary, the SBM quotes letter No: STP: 99:02-03 dated 26.03.2003 as an appropriate Government authorization for printing and selling of the Stamp Papers/Document Sheets as often as possible in its reply to the RTI inquiry. But the truth is that the above quoted letter is a mere proposal given to the SBM by the IGR & CS for the issue of pre-printed receipts and not at all for printing their own stamp papers/ document sheets and selling them. The same is even mentioned in the letter itself. It is not an authorization at all. This point has been established, clarified and endorsed from time to time by the supervisory bodies such as the IGR & CS, the Revenue Secretary, the District Registrar, the Lokayukta, etc., See document-3 

Absence of the written Permission/Order/Authorization 

 1. The District Registrar (DUS) in his letter dated 21.02.2004 had written to the IGR & CS expressing his apprehension about the issue of printing and selling of stamp papers by the SBM and calling it as ‘a blatant illegal activity’, 

 2. In reply to an RTI inquiry, the IGR & CS in his letter No: RTI/Aud/13.06.07 dated 16.01.2007 clearly said that no such MoU has been executed for printing and sale of SBM stamp papers and 

3. Finally, the “The Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) of SBM also clarified that the work relating to sale of printing of document sheets based on the aforesaid letter of the IGR & CS vide their No: STP:99:02-03 dated 26.03.2003, which is the Government Order/Permission. And there is no other order”. 

 All these above clearly show that there was No written Permission/ Authorization/Order at all. Yet, the SBM had been printing and selling the stamp papers since 2003, which could be surmised as a blatant illegal activity, which could attract severe legal action under the Stamp Act of India. To be continued…….

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE WAR OF WATER! CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE, IS KARNATAKA A WATER VALVE FOR TN?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

 
The Bangalore Metro Reporter

 

THE WAR OF WATER! 

CAUVERY WATER DISPUTE, IS KARNATAKA A WATER VALVE FOR TN? 

 The Cauvery water issue has raised its ugly head again with the Tamil Nadu demanding 2 TMC of water daily for a month. With the reservoirs in Karnataka almost half empty, there is no water to be released to TN which has sufficient water in Mettur to sustain the present crop. The Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who is the Chairman of the Cauvery River Authority, had ordered release of 9000 cusecs of water from KRS to TN for political compulsions. The TN, as usual, has approached the Supreme Court which helped in receiving water from Karnataka. 

Ever since the nineteenth century, Karnataka is at the receiving end as far as Cauvery water is concerned. In 1924, the then British government imposed a Treaty on the state on water sharing with Tamil Nadu. In fact, it cannot be called a treaty but a sort of ‘conditions’ to the then Maharaja of Mysore who was under the control of “The Madras Government” and Madras was directly ruled by the British. 

 The so called 1924 Treaty expired in 1974 and since then the TN has not allowed fresh treaty or agreement. Instead at every occasion, it approaches the Supreme Court and gets favourable orders. Besides, the regional parties of TN - DMK or AIADMK are good influence as they have shared power at the centre with the ruling party. 

 V.P.Singh, the then Prime Minister, on the directions of the Supreme Court, constituted the Cauvery Water Tribunal to decide the issue and fix the water share. The Tribunal issued an interim order in 1991 directing the state to release 205 TMC of Cauvery water to TN every year and also fixed a weekly time table for water release. But, what if there is no water in the State reservoirs? The Tribunal directed the state to compensate by releasing ‘arrears’ of water in the next weeks! And what if the state releases excess water? The tribunal simply said “it is not its concern”! 

 The rest is history. The Tribunal gave its final verdict which is most favourable to the TN. As long as there is sufficient rain and water, there were no problems. Only when the rain fails and there was no water in KRS, trouble would begin with TN claiming its share of water release even if it meant no water to our farmers and even for drinking! The Tribunal had provided some relief during failure of rain through a ‘distress’ formula to be decided by the CRA that is Cauvery River Authority Chaired by the PM. But this is more of a political committee. 

 The Tribunal has also restricted the area of irrigation in the state and also the crop pattern. But, while our state farmers can grow one crop a year, the TN has no restriction and grows three crops a year. Further, it receives good rains during October to December for its Samba Crop! While Karnataka has been restricted in continuing with the present area of irrigated land, the same does not apply to TN which has increased its irrigated lands many times in the last twenty years. The TN has people at strategic places in New Delhi who assist in safeguarding their interests. 

 For the Cauvery dispute, we are stuck up with the famous advocates for too long, despite knowing that they have not presented the state case effectively in the Tribunal and the Supreme Court. It may be recalled that it was on the advice of state’s counsel Nariman that the State was forced to release 5 TMC of water to TN when the KRS was at the rock bottom level. JH Patel was the CM then. 

 It is only this time; the state has shown the guts to walk out from the CRA meeting chaired by the PM where he ordered the state to release 9000 cusecs of water daily to TN till October 15th. Politically speaking, the PM needs the support of DMK for the survival of the UPA government which would fall otherwise. That is why the water release order was obvious. But, the KRS water reservoir is actually very low and has less than 25 TMC of water. 

 Now, the TN has already approached the Supreme Court again for direction to the state to release water to TN. It may be recalled that the SC had earlier ordered release of 9000 cusecs of water ever day till September 19th and the CRA was to decide the matter on 19th. And CRA under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister had directed the state to release 9000 TMC water everyday till October 15th, for which the state has refused. The TN wants 2 TMC of water every day which comes to 60 TMC of water monthly! Can this be humanly or even divinely possible? 

 In fact, the SC had initially refused to hear the TN application on priority and asked it to mention it the next day. But, the next day, the TN counsel mentioned the petition and the SC not only readily agreed to hear the petition but also passed the order directing the state to release 9000 cusecs every day to TN till October 15th as ordered by the CRA. It castigated the state for defying the order of the Prime Minister. The SC had also taken to task the TN for demanding 2TMC water every day, which it said was unreasonable in the present situation. Then the state had to release 9000 cusecs of water every day, whether it likes or not. 

 Curiously, when the SC took up the TN application on priority, none of the senior counsels of the state were present except a junior lawyer. The leader of the lawyers team F.S.Nariman had ‘advised’ the state to release the water to TN immediately if he has to appear for the state in future. The state has already released water to TN thrice in the past when there was no water, on the advice of Nariman. The protests, agitations, bundhs etc. does not do any good and that is a hard reality. It is only legal battle that can undo the damage. 

 Whatsoever, Cauvery takes birth in Karnataka and flows in majority of areas in the state and it is barred from using the water. It has to release water to TN, whether it has sufficient water or not. To put in simply, Karnataka has been used by the TN and the central government to function as a ‘Valve man’ for TN as far as Cauvery is concerned! 

That is all!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE WHITE CORRUPTION! Rangaram Nayak takes corruption payment through cheques!

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

 
The Bangalore Metro Reporter

 

THE WHITE CORRUPTION! 

 

Rangaram Nayak takes corruption payment through cheques! 

 In our earlier issue, we had exposed about the caste manipulation of Rangaram Nayak. He is the In charge Joint Director in Mysore Zone of the Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (formerly Karnataka Land Army Corporation). Rangaram, who belonged to the ‘Parivar’ caste, a backward tribe, got the job in KLAC in 1984. His service records show him as belonging to Backward Tribe, but later this was rounded off and an entry was made showing him as belonging to ST by stating that he belonged to Nayak Caste. The CRE Cell which probed the matter reported that Rangaram had obtained bogus ST certificate. The Tahsildar cancelled the bogus ST certificate in 2009 and within six months; the same Tahsildar restored his bogus ST Certificate after holding a stage managed probe. Based on this ST Tag given by Tahsildar, Rangaram has now staked his claim to the regular JD and consequential benefits including seniority. 

 Nevertheless, besides, acquiring the post on the basis of a bogus ST certificate, Rangaram Nayak is most forward in his corruption tactics. He might be the only official in KRIDL to practice ‘Black and White’ corruption. So bold he is that he is accepting money through cheques in his account. Just like our ex CM Yedurappa, who floated the companies in the name of his kith and kin to receive the bribe money as contributions in these companies. 

 Allegedly, every AD has to pay percentage kickback to Rangaram either through cash or through Bank remittance. For technical approval, the officials have to pay his commission depending on the amount of the work. The ADs have to personally meet him to pay the money and take the technical sanction order. If the ADs does not have the money at the moment or unable to come personally, Rangaram gives them the option of remitting the same to his personal SB account in SBH, Bamboo Bazar Branch Mysore or Corporation Bank, Siddharthnagar Branch, Mysore in a/c No.9728 and his wife’s a/c No.9729. Rangaram has allegedly fixed his commission at Rs.1.50 per kg for releasing steel. 

 The ADs who make payments to Rangaram through his Bank account has to send the copy of the payment challan to him. This practice is going on since many years and is still continuing. For example, the Kadur AD has remitted 10 thousand to Rangaram’s a/c on 24.02.2012 and Mangalore AD has remitted 15 thousand on 03.03.2012. 

 If the KRIDL or the Lokayukta probes the Bank transactions of Rangaram’s SB account, the cat will be out of the bag 

Rangaram Nayak’s Cheque Corruption 

The following are few cases of ADs remitting the kickbacks to Rangaram through cheques. Mind it, this is only the tip of the iceberg. These are only indicative but not exhaustive. Few examples in 2008 and the latest two examples are given below. One can only imagine the ground reality. 

Sl. Officials Name Amount Date No. Debitted 

 1. Abdul Rahim, 24,000 29.11.2008 AD, Kadur 11,000 29.11.2008 

2. K.P.Rajanna AD, Hassan 5,050 30.12.2008 

3. Rajesh TFC, Chikmagalur25,000 27.1.2009 

4. Javaraju FDA, Kadur 7,500 3.2.2009 

5. Chandrashekar AD, Mangalore 10,000 19.2.2009 

6. Thippa Reddy TFC, Chikmagalu 10,000 3.3.2009 

7. M.H.Govindappa TFC, Kadur 8,000 5.3.2009 

8. A.D.Kadur 15,000 4.4.2009

 9. AD Chikmagalur 20,000 4.4.2009 

10. AD Chikmagalur 27,000 4.4.2009 

11. Chandrashekhar AD, Mangalore 24,000 21.5.2009 

12. Mallappa AD, Mercara 10,000 28.5.2009 

13. AD, Kadur 10,000 24.2.2012 

14. AD, Mangalore 15,000 3.3.2012 

Now this is an open white corruption, is it not? Any comments???